Is it a slipped disc? Pinched nerve? Sciatica? Leg Pain May Stem from pinched nerve in the low back
Last updated Wednesday, March 05, 2008
AboutBasics of lumbar radiculitis
Edited By: Marla S. Kaufman, M.D.
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 spine’s
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:
- loss of bowel or bladder control
- new or worsening weakness or numbness in one
or both legs
- back pain from a fall or injury
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. Facts and myths Leg
pain that originates in the back is frequently called "sciatica,” – but
this is a misnomer, as sciatica refers specifically to the sciatic nerve. Sciatica
describes pain in the back of the thigh, back of the calf, and foot – the route
of the S1 nerve root distribution. Sciatica might be the most common
presentation of radiculitis, but it is not the only one, as other nerve roots (from
vertebrae L1-5) in the lumbar region can be involved, as well. Surgery for Lumbar Radiculitis at the University of Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-4288 (outside the Seattle area: 800-440-3280) to make an appointment.
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