Lumbar Disc Disorder with Radiculopathy is a condition that can cause low back pain, leg pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs or feet. In more serious lumbar disc disorders, bowel, bladder, and sexual function may be disrupted. Understanding this condition can help patients and their healthcare providers better manage and treat the symptoms. In this patient education document, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for Lumbar Disc Disorder with Radiculopathy.
Causes:
Lumbar Disc Disorder with Radiculopathy is usually caused by wear and tear or injury to the intervertebral discs in the lower back. As we age, the discs in our spine lose moisture and become less flexible, making them more prone to damage. Injury to the lower back, such as lifting heavy objects improperly or repetitive bending and twisting, can also cause lumbar disc disorder with radiculopathy.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of lumbar disc disorder with radiculopathy can vary from person to person but typically include:
Low back pain
Leg pain
Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
Weakness in the legs or feet
Diagnosis:
Lumbar Disc Disorder with Radiculopathy can be diagnosed through a comprehensive history, physical examination and imaging tests. Your healthcare provider may perform a physical exam to check for low back and leg pain, as well as numbness or tingling in the legs or feet. Imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may also be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment:
Treatment for Lumbar Disc Disorder with Radiculopathy typically focuses on relieving pain and improving back and leg function. This may include:
Chiropractic care to improve spinal alignment
Rehab therapy to improve back and leg strength and flexibility
Dry needling to improve segmental and global healing
Manual therapy to reduce muscle hypertonicity
Epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation
Surgery in severe cases
Systematic Review Citations:
Bono CM, Ghiselli G, Gilbert TJ, Kreiner DS, Reitman C, Summers JT, Wang JC. An evidence-based clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy. Spine J. 201
Information on this website is for general informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. It is not intended for the purpose of diagnosis, and no doctor-patient relationship is formed. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health professional regarding your medical condition.
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