Lumbar Radiculopathy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

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What is lumbar radiculopathy?

Lumbar radiculopathy is a painful condition that happens when a nerve in your lumbar spine (lower back) is pinched or irritated.

What causes lumbar radiculopathy?

You may get a pinched nerve in your lumbar spine if you have disc damage. Discs are natural, spongy cushions between your vertebrae (back bones) that allow your spine to move. Your discs may move out of place and pinch the nerve in your spine. Any of the following can increase your risk for a pinched nerve and lumbar radiculopathy:

• Diabetes, a spinal infection, or a growth in your spine
• Extra body weight
• Being male or an older adult
• Cigarette use

What are the signs and symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy?

You may have any of the following:

• Pain that moves from your lower back to your buttocks, groin, and the back of your leg
• Pain felt below your knee
• Pain that worsens when you cough, sneeze, stand, or sit
• Numbness, weakness, or tingling in your back or legs

How is lumbar radiculopathy diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will examine you and ask about your family history of back and leg pain. Your provider may also test you for weakness, numbness, or tingling in your back, buttocks, and legs. You may be asked to lie on your back and lift your leg to locate your pain. You may also need any of the following:

• MRI or CT scan pictures may show problems or changes in your back bones, nerves, and discs. Contrast liquid may be used to help problems show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
• X-ray pictures show signs of infection or other problems with your spine.
• An electromyography (EMG) test measures the electrical activity of your muscles at rest and with movement.

How is lumbar radiculopathy treated?

Ask your healthcare provider for more information about these and other treatments for lumbar radiculopathy:

• Medicines:
  • NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
  • Muscle relaxers help decrease pain and muscle spasms.
  • Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
  • Steroid pills may help reduce swelling and pain.
  • Steroid injections into your lumbar spine may help decrease your nerve pain and swelling. You may need more than 1 injection if your symptoms do not improve after the first treatment.
• Physical therapy may be used to improve your posture (the way you stand and sit), flexibility, and the strength in your lower back. Your physical therapist may also teach you how to remain safely active and prevent more injury.
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) stimulates nerves and may decrease your pain. Wires are attached to pads. The pads are attached to your skin. The wires send a mild current through your nerves.
• Surgery may relieve your pinched nerve if your condition has not improved within 4 to 6 weeks. You may also need surgery if you have lumbar radiculopathy more than 1 time.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• naproxen
• ibuprofen

What can I do to manage or prevent lumbar radiculopathy?

• Apply ice or heat. Ice and heat can help relieve pain or swelling. Put ice in a plastic bag covered with a towel on your low back. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, or as directed. Cover heated items with a towel to avoid burns. You can also use a heating pad on a low setting. Apply heat for 20 minutes at a time. Your provider may tell you to alternate ice and heat.
• Stay active. Your healthcare provider may tell you to take walks to ease yourself back into your daily routine. Avoid long periods of bed rest. Bed rest could worsen your symptoms. Do not move in ways that increase your pain. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about the best ways to stay active.
• Do not lift anything heavy. Heavy objects put a strain on your back and may make your symptoms worse.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Extra body weight may strain your back. Ask your provider what a healthy weight is for you. Your provider can help you create a safe weight loss plan, if needed.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars increase your risk for lumbar radiculopathy. Ask your provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.

When should I seek immediate care?

• You have a fever greater than 100.4°F (38°C) for longer than 2 days.
• You have new, severe back or leg pain, or your pain spreads to both legs.
• You have any new signs of numbness or weakness, especially in your lower back, legs, arms, or genital area.
• You have new trouble controlling your urine and bowel movements.
• You do not feel like your bladder empties when you urinate.

When should I call my doctor?

• Your pain does not improve within 1 to 3 weeks of treatment.
• Your pain and weakness keep you from your normal activities at work, home, or school.
• You lose more than 10 pounds in 6 months without trying.
• You become depressed or sad because of the pain.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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