OUR SERVICES
Lumbar Radiculopathy
Non-Surgical Treatment for Radiating Back & Leg Pain
If you are experiencing sharp, electric-like pain that travels from your lower back down into your buttock or leg, you may be suffering from Lumbar Radiculopathy. Often referred to as a “pinched nerve,” this condition occurs when a spinal nerve root in the lower back becomes compressed or inflamed. At New South Medical, we specialize in identifying the source of this nerve irritation and providing advanced, minimally invasive interventional care to stop the pain and restore your nerve function without the need for traditional surgery.
What is Lumbar Radiculopathy?
Lumbar radiculopathy is not a disease itself, but a set of symptoms caused by compression or inflammation of the spinal nerve roots. The nerves in your lumbar spine are responsible for sending signals to your legs. When these nerves are pinched—often due to a herniated disc, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis—they send "misinterpreted" signals to the brain, which you feel as pain, numbness, or weakness in your lower extremities.
Conditions We Treat
Patients with lumbar radiculopathy often experience a variety of symptoms that disrupt their quality of life. We specialize in managing:
Sciatica:
Sharp, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back through the hip and down the back of the leg.
Numbness and Tingling:
A "pins and needles" sensation or loss of feeling in the foot, ankle, or calf.
Muscle Weakness:
A noticeable loss of strength in the leg or foot, sometimes causing foot drop or difficulty walking.
Reflex Changes:
Diminished reflexes in the knee or ankle.
Our Approach to Treatment
At New South Medical, our goal is to resolve the nerve inflammation quickly to prevent long-term damage. Because most cases of radiculopathy are caused by mechanical compression, we focus on "decompressing" the nerve through interventional techniques:
Epidural Steroid Injections: We deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the site of the nerve compression, which rapidly reduces swelling and relieves the pressure on the nerve root.
Diagnostic Imaging: We utilize precise imaging to determine if your radiculopathy is caused by a herniated disc, stenosis, or other structural issues, ensuring your treatment plan is highly targeted.
Physical Therapy Coordination: We work with your physical therapy team to create a mechanical plan that promotes healing and spinal stabilization.
Minimally Invasive Interventions: For persistent cases, we offer advanced procedures to manage chronic nerve irritation and help you avoid surgical intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is lumbar radiculopathy the same as sciatica?
Sciatica is actually a form of lumbar radiculopathy. It specifically refers to the irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the leg. While all sciatica is radiculopathy, not all radiculopathy is sciatica—it depends on exactly which nerve root is being compressed.
Does this mean I need surgery?
In the vast majority of cases, no. Most patients with lumbar radiculopathy improve significantly with interventional pain management, physical therapy, and time. We only discuss surgery if symptoms are severe, progressive, or do not respond to our advanced non-surgical protocols.
How long does it take to recover?
Recovery time varies based on the severity of the nerve compression. With targeted interventional care, many patients begin to notice significant relief in their radiating pain within a few days to weeks of treatment.
Can I exercise if I have radiculopathy?
Gentle movement is often beneficial, but strenuous activity or heavy lifting can worsen nerve compression. We will work with you to determine which movements are safe and which ones you should avoid during your recovery phase.