Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica)

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Lumbar radiculopathy results from compression, irritation, or inflammation of the nerve(s) traveling from the lumbar region (lower back) through the openings in the bony spine called foramina.

Symptoms of such a condition can result in numbness, tingling, sharp shooting pain, and/or weakness in the lower extremities (buttocks, thighs, calves, sheen, feet).

Causes of this condition can be from lumbar disc displacement, a tear in the disc in proximity to the nerve, bony spur(s), or a fracture of the bone in proximity to the nerve. One can also experience such symptoms from degenerative disc disease or thickening of the bones or the ligaments leading to spinal stenosis. Of note, not all degenerative conditions are symptomatic, and in fact, most degenerative conditions are asymptomatic.

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