Lumbar radiculopathy (also known as “sciatica”) is term used to describe radiating leg pain, numbness, or weakness caused by inflammation or pinching of a spinal nerve in the lower back. Lumbar radiculopathy can result from a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, or stenosis (narrowing) of the lumbar spine.

Radiculopathy

• Radiating leg pain or numbness from an inflamed or pinched spinal nerve
• Also called “sciatica”
• Can be caused by stenosis, disc degeneration, or disc herniation

Herniated Disc

• Tear in the outer wall (annulus) of the disc allows the inner gel (nucleus) to protrude into the spinal canal

Natural History (“Doing Nothing”)

• Not all disc herniations cause symptoms
• Symptoms may resolve without treatment
• Herniated material may dissolve over time

“Cauda Equina Syndrome”

• Rare
• Loss of bowel and bladder function due to pressure an all of the nerves running through the spinal canal
• Caused by large herniated disc
• Surgical treatment needed urgently

Three Phases of Treatment for Lumbar Disc Herniation:

• Phase I – Non-Invasive Treatments
• Phase II – Spinal Injections
• Phase III – Surgery
• Goals of Each Phase:
• Relieve Pain
• Improve Function

Treatment Options for Lumbar Disc Herniation: Phase I

• Oral Medications
• Steroids
• Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatories (NSAIDs)
• Pain relievers
• Physical Therapy and Home Exercise
• Ice and Heat

Treatment Options for Lumbar Disc Herniation: Phase II

• Epidural Steroid Injections
• Outpatient procedure
• Done with x-ray guidance
• 1-3 injections may be needed

Treatment Options for Lumbar Disc Herniation: Phase III – Surgery

• Learn more about Lumbar Microdiscectomy
• Learn more about Endoscopic Discectomy