Lumbar Radiculopathy

For some patients, it can be difficult to determine the direct cause of your lower back pain. With a variety of potential conditions affecting this area, it can be tricky to pinpoint an exact stimulant. If you are experiencing a sudden sharp pain originating from your lower back, one potential ailment could be the presence of lumbar radiculopathy. Visiting a pain doctor in Suffolk County could be the key to your recovery process. Our staff at Integrated Spine and Pain Care can educate you on this injury and recommend proper methods of treatment.

What is a Lumbar Radiculopathy?

Spinal nerves are rooted in the spine and travel through the body. Each vertebra is protected by an intervertebral disc that acts as a cushion. Should any of these discs become damaged or displaced, they may compress a nerve contained within their particular vertebra. Radiculopathy, otherwise known as a pinched nerve, is an injury wherein a spinal nerve becomes suddenly injured and is unstable to transfer its neurological signals throughout the body.

In particular, lumbar radiculopathy refers to a pinched nerve that is located within the lower vertebrae of the spine. This kind of injury affects the spine, pelvis, and lower extremities. Symptoms of this injury can include numbness or weakness in the foot, tingling sensations, hypersensitivity, general and acute lower body pain, or sharp lower back pain (especially while coughing, extending the foot, or touching the affected area).

What causes a Lumbar Radiculopathy? 

Potential causes of a radiculopathy injury can potentially include some of the following ailments:

• Herniated Discs.
• Sciatica.
• Degenerative Disc Disease.
• Bone Spurs.
• Spinal Tumors.
• Osteoarthritis.
• Spinal Stenosis.
• Fractures.
• Scoliosis.
• Diabetes.
• Poor Posture.
• Sudden Injury (as a result of lifting/pushing).
• Obesity.

Integrated Spine Pain Care has a talented team of pain doctors in Suffolk County who are capable of treating many of the complications listed above.

Common symptoms of Lumbar Radiculopathy: 

Depending on where in the spine your nerve compression is occurring, this will determine which types of symptoms you experience. When it comes to lumbar radiculopathy, your pain will likely be located in the lower back, legs, and hip region. After long periods of time, sitting or walking, the pain or irritation from many of these symptoms will likely become worse. Other symptoms may include the following:

• Numbness in the lower back, leg, hip, buttock, or even foot.
• A sharp pain extending from the lower back to the foot.
• Feeling a sharp pain while you are sitting or coughing.
• Tingling in the back of the leg.
• Hypersensitivity.
• Bowel or bladder incontinence.
• How can It be diagnosed?

Determining whether or not you are suffering from lumbar radiculopathy can be deciphered by various tests. After visiting a pain doctor in Suffolk County for an initial consultation, they can then advise you on which test will likely be able to diagnose you. These tests may include either an MRI, CT scan, or constant myelography.

Treatment for this condition: 

Treatment for lumbar radiculopathy is determined by the severity of the injury as well as various personal and biological factors. Noninvasive treatments can include full back supports and personalized physical therapy regimens. A pain doctor in Suffolk County might prescribe you medication to alleviate symptoms and promote bodily healing. Non-steroidal drugs (ibuprofen or aspirin) can be taken regardless of medical opinion to lessen pain, but your doctor will likely recommend oral corticosteroids, narcotic pain medication, or even injectable steroids to assist in the recovery process. If the lumbar radiculopathy injury is of high severity, you might be assigned to undergo a surgical procedure to repair the damage.

Contact a Pain Doctor in Suffolk County: 

Visit our website to view our pain treatment services, as well as a library of patient educational videos regarding common condition treatments, injection options, and various procedures that we offer. To see a pain doctor in Suffolk County for your lumbar radiculopathy, contact ISPC to schedule an appointment.