StemCell Therapy

Edited By Spine Team Last updated: December 31, 2009

Basics of lumbar radiculitis

Low back pain may be caused by disk herniation, facet joint arthritis, congenital narrowing of the spinal canal, and other conditions. Some patients have back pain that also associated with pain and/or other symptoms in their legs.

Lumbar radiculitis is an inflammation or irritation of a nerve root in the lower region of the spine. Often it stems from a herniated or prolapsed disc pressing against a nerve where the nerve enters the spinal column. Arthritis of a spines facet joints also can lead to nerve root irritation.

The compression or irritation creates pain that radiates out through the nerve's tendrils in the patient's back and down the leg.

Lumbar radiculitis may involve nerves originating from each side of the five lumbar vertebrae, as well as one nerve branching out from the sacrum. These nerves innervate all the muscles in the legs, and also communicate sensation from the legs to the brain.

Patients often describe a sharp and burning, or dull and aching, pain that can run through the gluteal muscle, to the thigh, calf, and foot. As symptoms worsen, the patient may begin to experience weakness, numbness and tingling in their legs, as well.

Immediate medical attention

Immediate medical attention is warranted if back pain and numbness is accompanied by any of the following:

Patients who have back pain associated with fever, or which interrupts a patient's sleep or causes a fall should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Read the original:
Low Back Pain - UW Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Seattle

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