Lumbar Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)

Nerves are the indicators of pain and sensation. When a nerve is compressed or put under pressure, it causes acute or chronic pain. Lumbar radiculopathy, or nerve root compression, can cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, groin and legs. Our team at Medici Orthopaedics & Spine can help diagnose and treat lumbar radiculopathy at our clinics in the Atlanta area.

In the lumbar spine, nerves exit the spinal column and continue their journey to other lower extremities. Each nerve is responsible for a different area of muscles, skin and tissue. When the nerve root is damaged, compressed or irritated as it leaves the lumbar spine, it is called lumbar radiculopathy, or a pinched nerve.

It can result in localized lower back pain but also causes pain or weakness in the muscles the nerve serves in the buttock, groin, legs or even the feet. There are several spinal and musculoskeletal conditions that create nerve root compression. Identifying the cause of the nerve irritation is key to finding the right treatment to stop the pain.

Causes of Lumbar Nerve Root Compression

Each lumbar vertebra has a different nerve that exits the spinal column. The largest nerve is the sciatic nerve, which is the most common nerve to be affected by compression. The area of pain, tingling or weakness felt by the patient, along with imaging and other diagnostic tools, can help determine the source of nerve root compression or irritation. Some common causes include spondylosis, herniated discs, compression fractures and degenerative disc disease.

Treatments for lumbar pinched nerves can vary drastically, depending on the cause of the nerve compression. Conservative treatments include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory injections, medication management and electrical stimulation. Severe cases may require surgical intervention. We offer minimally-invasive spine surgery if conservative treatments are not effective for treating the source of pain.

If you have lower back nerve pain, contact us at Medici Orthopaedics & Spine. We will help identify the source and create a well-rounded treatment plan to give you long-term relief and improve your quality of life.