Dr. Kenneth S. Dauber

Physical Medicine, Spine, Hip and
Conservative Spine Care
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Dr. Daniel Sunwoo

Physical Medicine and Spine
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Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica)

 

Lumbar Radiculopathy or Sciatica in Plano, Frisco, McKinney and AllenWhat is it?

Lumbar Radiculopathy or sciatica describes the symptoms of leg pain and possibly tingling, numbness and weakness that forms in the lower back and travels to the hips, buttocks, legs and feet. The largest single nerve in the body that branches out from the lumbar spine, known as the sciatic nerve can become irritated and pinched leading to Sciatica or Lumbar Radiculopathy. This is actually a symptom, not a medical diagnosis but an underlying medical condition resulting from a variety of problems with the bones, lumbar discs and tissues of the lumbar spine. Some common conditions that cause sciatica include a Herniated Disc, Degenerative Disc Disease also known as DDD or Spinal Stenosis.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include pain, weakness, numbness and tingling, and the severity of the symptoms may vary depending on the number of levels involved in the injury. The pain sensations may be in one area only, like the hips or buttocks only, or they may progress down the leg. Sciatic pain can also vary from infrequent and irritating to constant and disabling. Some patients describe the pain as pins and needles, or complete numbness others may only feel dull aches. Certain movements and motions will often increase or decrease the pain, as well as simple things like sneezing or coughing.

Treatment

There are a wide variety of treatment options for this condition. It will depend widely on the underlying patient’s symptoms and the severity of the injury itself. Conservative treatment options are available such as pain medications and anti-inflammatories, as well as physical therapy and injections. Further symptoms or problems may lead to surgical options.

If you are experiencing back pain, neck pain, weakness of the neck, stiffness of the neck or have a spine injury, give us a call 972-250-5700 or make an appointment now.

 

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