1. What is Lumbar Radiculopathy?

Lumbar radiculopathy, often referred to as sciatica, is a condition that happens when a nerve in the lower spine becomes irritated or compressed. This irritation causes pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates from the lower back into the buttock, leg, or foot.

2. Causes

Lumbar radiculopathy can be caused by several spine-related issues, including:

• Herniated disc pressing on a nerve root.

• Degenerative disc disease, which narrows the space for nerves.

• Lumbar spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal.

• Bone spurs (osteophytes) that form due to arthritis.

• Less commonly, trauma or tumors affecting the lumbar spine.

3. Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the affected nerve root but may include:

• Sharp or burning pain radiating down the leg (sciatica).

• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot.

• Muscle weakness in the thigh, calf, or foot.

• Difficulty walking or standing for long periods.

• Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or coughing.

4. Diagnosis

Doctors use a combination of history, physical exam, and imaging to diagnose lumbar radiculopathy:

• Neurological exam to test strength, sensation, and reflexes.

• MRI scan to evaluate discs, nerves, and soft tissues.

• CT scan or X-ray to identify bony changes such as arthritis or spurs.

• Electromyography (EMG) to assess nerve function if needed.

5. Treatments

Non-Surgical Treatments

Most patients improve without surgery. First-line treatments may include:

• Activity modification and rest to reduce strain on the back.

• Anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants for pain relief.

• Physical therapy to strengthen core muscles, improve posture, and reduce nerve compression.

• Epidural steroid injections to reduce swelling and nerve irritation.

Surgical Treatments

If conservative care does not provide relief, surgery may be considered. The goal is to decompress the nerve while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissues:

• Microdiscectomy: a minimally invasive spine surgery to remove the herniated disc fragment pressing on the nerve.

• Endoscopic discectomy: performed through a tiny incision using a camera for precision and faster recovery.

• Minimally invasive laminectomy or laminotomy: removal of part of the vertebra to relieve pressure in cases of spinal stenosis.

• Minimally invasive spinal fusion (when necessary): used if instability or advanced degeneration is present.

These minimally invasive spine surgery options are designed to reduce postoperative pain, minimize blood loss, and shorten hospital stays—helping patients return to daily activities more quickly than with traditional open surgery.