Lumbar Radiculopathy Treatment Plano, TX
Specialties
Our orthopedic spine surgery clinic in Plano, TX, is dedicated to providing exceptional care for patients experiencing the debilitating effects of lumbar radiculopathy. Led by a team of highly skilled orthopedic spine surgeons and specialists, we offer a wide range of advanced lumbar radiculopathy treatment options tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.
Whether you’re seeking conservative therapies or considering surgical intervention, our experts are here to guide you through every step of your journey to relief and recovery. Discover the latest innovations in lumbar radiculopathy treatments and regain your freedom from pain at the Advanced Spine Center. To schedule an appointment with us, please call our office at 972-499-5457 today.
What Is Lumbar Radiculopathy?
This condition is an irritation or compression of a spinal nerve root in the lumbar spine. Because these nerves travel to the hips, buttocks, legs, and feet, an injury in the lumbar spine can cause symptoms in these areas. It is also known as sciatica. Sciatica may result from a variety of problems with the bones and tissues of the lumbar spinal column.
Lumbar Radiculopathy vs Sciatica
Lumbar radiculopathy and sciatica are terms often used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different aspects of the same condition. Starting with lumbar radiculopathy, it refers to a general condition involving compression or irritation of a nerve root in the lumbar (lower back) region of the spine.
It can result from various causes such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative changes in the spine. Lumbar radiculopathy can affect any nerve root in the lumbar spine, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiate along the path of the affected nerve.
Sciatica is a specific type of lumbar radiculopathy that involves irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the body. It runs from the lower back down through the buttocks and into the legs.
Sciatica typically occurs when a herniated disc or bone spur in the lumbar spine presses on the sciatic nerve, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates along the path of the nerve, often down one leg. While sciatica is a form of lumbar radiculopathy, the term sciatica is commonly used to describe the specific symptoms associated with compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve.
Lumbar Spondylosis with Radiculopathy
Lumbar spondylosis with radiculopathy refers to a condition involving degenerative changes in the lumbar spine that lead to compression or irritation of the nerve roots, resulting in symptoms of radiculopathy. Let’s break that down a little more.
Spondylosis is a general term used to describe degenerative changes in the spine, particularly the vertebrae and the discs between them. In the lumbar spine, spondylosis may involve degenerative changes such as disc degeneration, osteoarthritis of the facet joints, bone spurs, and thickening of ligaments. These changes can lead to a narrowing of the spinal canal or foraminal stenosis, potentially resulting in compression or irritation of the nerve roots.
Radiculopathy refers to a condition where a nerve root is compressed, irritated, or inflamed, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the path of the affected nerve. In the context of lumbar spondylosis with radiculopathy, the degenerative changes in the lumbar spine contribute to the compression or irritation of the nerve roots as they exit the spinal canal or pass through the intervertebral foramina.
Bilateral Lumbar Radiculopathy
Bilateral lumbar radiculopathy refers to a condition where nerve roots on both sides of the lower spine are compressed or irritated, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiate down both legs. This condition often arises due to factors like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative changes in the lumbar spine. The symptoms may vary in severity but commonly affect both legs.
Is Lumbar Radiculopathy Serious?
Lumbar radiculopathy can vary widely in severity depending on the underlying cause, the extent of nerve compression or irritation, and individual factors such as overall health and lifestyle. While lumbar radiculopathy is not typically life-threatening, it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.
In some cases, the symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy can be debilitating, causing severe pain, weakness, and functional limitations. Without appropriate treatment, lumbar radiculopathy can lead to chronic pain, muscle weakness, and decreased mobility.
However, with proper diagnosis and management, including conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and, if necessary, surgical intervention, many people with lumbar radiculopathy can experience significant relief from their symptoms and improve their overall function and quality of life.
Is Lumbar Radiculopathy a Disability?
Lumbar radiculopathy can significantly impair an individual’s ability to perform daily activities and work responsibilities, potentially leading to disability in some cases. The severity of symptoms and their impact on functioning vary widely among individuals.
For some people, conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications may effectively manage symptoms and allow them to continue working or engaging in daily activities. However, in cases where symptoms are severe, chronic, and unresponsive to conservative treatments, lumbar radiculopathy may indeed qualify as a disability under certain circumstances.
Disability determination typically involves an evaluation by medical professionals and may require documentation of the condition’s impact on the individual’s ability to work or perform essential activities.
Lumbar Radiculopathy Causes
Lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica) can have many causes. Some of these causes include a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, bone spurs, and more. We outline the three most common causes below.
Lumbar Disc Herniation
One common cause is a herniated disc. A herniated disc is a rupture in the fibrous outer wall of a vertebral disc, which allows the soft nucleus of the disc to bulge outward. This bulge can press harmfully against a nerve root.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Another common cause of nerve root injury is degenerative disc disease. It occurs when a spinal disc weakens, allowing vertebral bones above and below the disc to shift out of position. The bones can touch, pinching nearby nerve roots.
Spinal Stenosis
When bones, discs, or joints of the spine degenerate, bony spurs may form and push into the spinal canal or foramen space. This is called spinal stenosis, and it can also create harmful pressure against the nerve roots and spinal cord.
Lumbar Radiculopathy Symptoms
Nerve root injury may occur at any of the five vertebrae in the lumbar spine (called the L1 through L5), or at the level of the sacrum (the upper portion of which is called the S1). Symptoms may include pain, weakness, numbness and tingling, and may vary depending on the level of the injury. For example, an injury at the L2 level can create thigh pain and hip weakness.
An injury at the L3 level may result in thigh pain and knee and thigh weakness. Damage at the L4 level may cause pain from the lower back to the foot and also foot weakness. Damage at the L5 level can create pain from the outer leg to the top of the foot and also foot weakness. And finally, damage at the S1 level can create pain from the calf to the outer foot and also foot weakness.
General symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy include the following.
- Lower back pain
- Chronic pain that is sharp, shooting, or burning
- Numbness and tingling
- Weakness or difficulty moving the leg or foot
- Radiating pain that travels along the affected nerve
- Bowel or bladder dysfunction
Why Is Lumbar Radiculopathy Worse at Night?
Many patients experience lumbar radiculopathy symptoms that worsen at night. There are several reasons why this might be the case.
- Changes in position: When lying down at night, especially in certain positions, such as lying on one’s back or side, the pressure on the spine may increase, exacerbating symptoms.
- Inflammatory responses: Inflammation around the compressed nerve roots can increase during rest periods, including at night. Inflammatory processes can contribute to heightened pain and discomfort, particularly when lying still for extended periods.
- Decreased distraction: At night, when trying to sleep, there are fewer distractions, making the perception of lumbar pain more pronounced.
- Fluid redistribution: Throughout the day, bodily fluids may accumulate around the compressed nerve roots, contributing to inflammation and irritation. When lying down at night, fluid redistribution within the body can further exacerbate this process, leading to increased discomfort.
- Muscle relaxation: Muscles may relax more deeply during sleep, which can exacerbate symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy. In some cases, muscle relaxation can lead to changes in posture or spinal alignment, increasing pressure on the affected nerve roots and worsening symptoms.
How Is Lumbar Radiculopathy Diagnosed?
Diagnosing lumbar radiculopathy typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, often starting with taking a thorough medical history and physical examination. During the medical history, the healthcare provider will inquire about the onset, duration, and characteristics of symptoms, as well as any relevant medical conditions or previous injuries. They may also ask about factors exacerbating or alleviating symptoms, such as certain activities or positions.
Imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or CT (computed tomography) scans, may be ordered to visualize the structures of the lumbar spine. This will identify any abnormalities or pathology that could be causing compression or irritation of the nerve roots. MRI is particularly useful for detecting soft tissue structures, such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis, which are common causes of lumbar radiculopathy.
In some cases, additional diagnostic tests, such as electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies, may be performed to assess the electrical activity and function of the nerves and muscles, helping to confirm the diagnosis of lumbar radiculopathy and identify the specific nerve roots affected.
Lumbar Radiculopathy Treatment Options in Plano
The treatment of lumbar radiculopathy aims to alleviate symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve overall function. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of symptoms, underlying cause, and individual patient factors. Generally, we approach pain management by suggesting conservative treatments before surgery.
Conservative Treatments for Lumbar Radiculopathy
Two common conservative treatments are epidural injections and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
Corticosteroid injections into the epidural space around the affected nerve roots can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief of symptoms.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a form of pain relief therapy. It uses low-voltage electrical currents to block or change a patient’s perception of pain. This may be a viable option for patients whose symptoms are relatively mild.
Lumbar Radiculopathy Physical Therapy
Exercises and stretches to improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and promote proper posture can help relieve pressure on the affected nerve roots. Physical therapy is immensely helpful for many patients in terms of both pain reduction and building strength and flexibility.
Lumbar Radiculopathy Exercises
Exercises for lumbar radiculopathy should focus on improving flexibility, strengthening core muscles, and promoting proper posture to alleviate pressure on the affected nerve roots. Many of the following exercises are part of physical therapy treatments for lumbar radiculopathy. Physical therapists can help you learn how to perform these exercises correctly.
- Pelvic Tilt: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Tighten your abdominal muscles and gently press your lower back into the floor, flattening the curve of your lower back. Hold for a few seconds, then release. Repeat 10-15 times.
- Cat-Cow Stretch: Start on your hands and knees with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Inhale as you arch your back, dropping your belly towards the floor and lifting your head and tailbone towards the ceiling (cow position). Exhale as you round your back, tucking your chin to your chest and drawing your belly button towards your spine (cat position). Repeat the sequence 10-15 times, moving slowly and smoothly between the two positions.
- Hamstring Stretch: Lie on your back with one leg bent and the foot flat on the floor, and the other leg extended straight up towards the ceiling. Hold the back of your thigh or calf of the extended leg and gently pull it towards you until you feel a stretch in the back of your thigh. Hold for 15-30 seconds, then switch legs and repeat.
- Piriformis Stretch: Sit on the floor with one leg straight and the other leg bent, crossing over the extended leg so that your ankle rests on the opposite thigh. Lean forward slightly, keeping your back straight, until you feel a stretch in your buttocks. Hold for 15-30 seconds, then switch legs and repeat.
- Bridge Exercise: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. Engage your abdominal muscles and lift your hips towards the ceiling, forming a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. Hold for a few seconds, then lower your hips back down to the floor. Repeat 10-15 times.
Lumbar Radiculopathy Surgery
If conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief, if symptoms are severe and disabling, or if there is significant spinal deformity, surgical intervention may be considered. Surgical options may include the following.
- Discectomy: This is the removal of the herniated portion of a disc that is compressing the nerve root.
- Laminectomy: This is the removal of the lamina (bony arch) of the affected vertebra to relieve pressure on the nerve roots.
- Lumbar spinal fusion: This is the fusion of adjacent vertebrae to stabilize the spine and prevent further compression of nerve roots.
Things to Avoid with Lumbar Radiculopathy
When managing lumbar radiculopathy, there are several things to avoid to prevent exacerbating symptoms and further irritating the affected nerve roots.
- Heavy lifting
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- Poor posture
- High-impact activities
- Excessive bending or twisting
- Poor body mechanics
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
Exercises to Avoid with Lumbar Radiculopathy
When dealing with lumbar radiculopathy, it’s crucial to avoid exercises that can exacerbate symptoms or place excessive strain on the lower back. Exercises to avoid with lumbar radiculopathy include the following.
- High-impact activities, such as running or jumping
- Heavy weightlifting
- Crunches and sit-ups
- Leg press machines
- Exercises involving forward bending
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
- Deep squats
- Exercises involving twisting the back
Is Walking Good for Lumbar Radiculopathy?
Yes, walking can be beneficial for individuals with lumbar radiculopathy, as it is a low-impact exercise that promotes spinal health, flexibility, and overall well-being. It can specifically help with low back pain and leg pain associated with lumbar radiculopathy.
Call the Advanced Spine Center for Lumbar Radiculopathy Treatments in Plano
At the Advanced Spine Center in Plano, TX, we understand the impact that lumbar radiculopathy can have on your quality of life. Our team is committed to providing compassionate care and personalized treatment plans to help you overcome the challenges of this condition. Whether you’re exploring conservative options such as physical therapy and medication management or considering surgical intervention, our experienced orthopedic spine surgeons and specialists are here to support you every step of the way.
With state-of-the-art technology and a patient-centered approach, we strive to deliver exceptional outcomes and improve your overall well-being. Contact us today to book for lumbar radiculopathy treatment and take the first step towards a pain-free life at the Advanced Spine Center.
