Lumbar Radiculopathy

What Is Lumbar Radiculopathy?

Lumbar Radiculopathy describes a range of symptoms produced by the pinching of a nerve root in the lower back. When a nerve root is compressed, it becomes inflamed, causing pain and other neurological symptoms like numbness or weakness along the path of that specific nerve. This is why the pain is rarely confined to the back and often affects the buttocks, thigh, calf, or foot. It’s a specific diagnosis that points to a distinct problem at the nerve root level.

The Anatomy of Your Lumbar Spine

Your lower back is a complex structure of vertebrae (bones), intervertebral discs (cushions), and nerves. These spinal nerves exit the spinal canal through small openings called foramina and travel to other parts of your body, controlling sensation and muscle function. When one of these exiting nerves is squeezed or irritated, lumbosacral radiculopathy occurs, leading to the characteristic radiating symptoms.

Common Nerve Pathways Affected

The symptoms you feel depend on which nerve is affected, as each has a unique pathway. For instance, compression of the L5 nerve root (L5 radiculopathy) often causes weakness in lifting the big toe and ankle (foot drop), along with numbness on top of the foot. Similarly, L5 S1 radiculopathy (involving the S1 nerve) can lead to weakness when pushing off with your foot (like standing on your tiptoes) and numbness along the outer edge of the foot.

Lumbar Radiculopathy vs Sciatica: Clearing the Confusion

Many people use these terms interchangeably, but there's a key difference. "Sciatica" is a symptom that describes pain radiating along the sciatic nerve's path, which runs from the lower back down each leg. Lumbar radiculopathy is the clinical diagnosis that causes sciatica. In short, radiculopathy is the "why" (the pinched nerve in the spine), and sciatica is the "what" (the resulting leg pain). Not all leg pain is sciatica, and not all radiculopathy affects the sciatic nerve, but it is the most common presentation.

Causes and Risk Factors for Lumbar Radiculopathy

Understanding what leads to nerve compression is the first step toward effective treatment and prevention. The condition usually results from degenerative changes in the spine that happen over time, but it can also be triggered by an acute injury.

Primary Causes of Lumbar Nerve Root Compression

Nerve root compression typically occurs when surrounding spinal structures place pressure on the exiting nerve, disrupting normal nerve signalling and leading to pain, weakness, or sensory changes. Common causes include:

• Herniated Disc: This is the most common cause. The gel-like inner material of a spinal disc bulges or leaks out through a tear in its tough exterior, pressing directly on an adjacent nerve root.
• Spinal Stenosis: This is a gradual narrowing of the spinal canal, which reduces the space available for the spinal cord and nerves. It’s often related to age-related degenerative changes.
• Bone Spurs (Osteophytes): Overgrowths of bone, frequently caused by osteoarthritis, can form on the vertebrae and intrude into the foramen, the space needed by the nerves to exit the spine.
• Spondylolisthesis: This condition occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one below it. This misalignment can narrow the exiting space for the nerve root, causing it to become pinched.

Common Risk Factors for Lumbar Radiculopathy

The following factors can weaken spinal structures or increase pressure on lumbar nerve roots.

• Age: The risk of radiculopathy increases with age due to natural, cumulative wear and tear on the spinal discs and joints.
• Occupation: Jobs that require heavy lifting, repetitive twisting, or long periods of sitting can place significant strain on the lower back and accelerate degenerative processes.
• Excess Weight: Obesity increases the mechanical load on your lumbar spine and intervertebral discs, making them more susceptible to injury and herniation.
• Genetics: A family history of spinal disorders or degenerative disc disease can increase your predisposition to developing radiculopathy.

How is Lumbar Radiculopathy Diagnosed?

An accurate diagnosis is crucial for creating a targeted and effective treatment plan. At Physiotattva, our experts use a multi-step, comprehensive process to pinpoint the exact cause of your LBP with radiculopathy.

Thorough Physical Examination

Your physiotherapist will perform a detailed assessment of your range of motion, muscle strength in key leg muscles, reflexes, and sensation patterns. Specific diagnostic maneuvers, like the Straight Leg Raise test (where your leg is lifted while you lie on your back), can help reproduce the symptoms and confirm which nerve is involved.

Detailed Medical History Review

We believe in listening. We will carefully review your description of the pain—its location, intensity, when it started, and what activities make it better or worse. This personal history provides vital clues that guide the physical assessment and help us understand the underlying cause.

Advanced Diagnostic Imaging

While a diagnosis can often be made clinically, imaging may be recommended to confirm the source of nerve compression. An MRI is the gold standard for visualizing soft tissues like herniated discs and nerves. A CT scan or X-ray may also be used to get a clear picture of your spinal bones and identify issues like bone spurs or stenosis.

Role of Physiotherapy in Managing Lumbar Radiculopathy

Physiotherapy is the cornerstone of conservative, non-surgical treatment for lumbar radiculopathy. The goal is not just to relieve immediate pain but to address the root mechanical cause, restore function, and empower you with the tools to prevent future episodes of lower limb radiculopathy.

Manual Therapy for Pain Relief

Our therapists use skilled, hands-on techniques like spinal mobilization and soft tissue massage. These methods help to reduce muscle guarding and tightness, improve the mobility of spinal joints, and ultimately decrease the physical pressure on the affected nerve root, providing significant pain relief.

Core Strengthening and Flexibility Programs

A weak core and tight muscles (like the hamstrings and hip flexors) contribute to poor posture and excessive stress on the lumbar spine. We design personalised exercise programs to build deep core stability, improve muscle balance, and restore flexibility. A stronger, more flexible body provides better support for your spine.

Nerve Mobilization (Nerve Gliding)

These are specialised, gentle exercises designed to encourage the compressed nerve to move more freely within its pathway. By performing these "nerve flossing" techniques, you can help reduce adhesions, improve blood flow to the nerve, and significantly decrease pain, tingling, and numbness.

Education on Posture and Ergonomics

Lasting recovery depends on changing the habits that contributed to the problem. We empower you with knowledge on how to sit, stand, lift, and work correctly to minimize strain on your back during daily activities. This education is key for preventing recurrence and managing your spinal health long-term.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Neuro Rehab Centre

Selecting the right neuro-rehabilitation centre plays a crucial role in recovery. The quality of care you receive can directly impact symptom relief, functional improvement, and long-term outcomes. Key factors to consider include:

• Specialisation in neurological conditions: Choose a centre with physiotherapists experienced in managing nerve-related disorders such as mononeuropathy and radiculopathy, ensuring accurate assessment and targeted treatment.
• One-on-one personalised care: Individualised therapy sessions allow treatment plans to adapt to your symptoms, progress, and functional goals rather than relying on generic programmes.
• Access to modern diagnostic and therapeutic tools: Centres equipped with EMG/NCS testing and advanced rehabilitation modalities are better positioned to deliver evidence-based care.
• Proven patient outcomes and testimonials: Reviews, recovery stories, and clinical outcomes provide insight into treatment effectiveness and overall patient satisfaction.

Regaining Mobility and Comfort After Lumbar Radiculopathy

Lumbar radiculopathy can significantly affect daily life, but with early diagnosis and targeted physiotherapy, recovery is achievable. A structured neuro-rehabilitation approach helps relieve nerve pain, restore movement, and prevent future flare-ups.

If back and leg pain are limiting your routine, timely physiotherapy can help you regain comfort and confidence. Physiotattva’s expert team is here to support your recovery with personalised care.

At Physiotattva physiotherapy clinics in Bangalore and Hyderabad, you receive personalised care tailored to your specific needs, ensuring effective results and comfort throughout your journey to recovery. 

Don’t wait to start your recovery! Get in touch with Physiotattva for more details! Contact us at +91 89510 47001.