Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine  
  Home   |   Site Map   |   Contact Us   |   Links   |   News  
Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine  
Advanced Search
Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
HomeAbout Prognosis and impactsIncidence and risk factorsSymptomsCauses and effectsDiagnosis and evaluation Management and treatment CopingResearchConclusionSummary of lumbar radiculitis

Print Print Complete Article
View article with questions Hide Questions



Click here to request a referral online.

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

<< Previous Page

Conclusion

What are the five most important facts about lumbar radiculitis?

Low back pain can have dozens of causes. Lumbar radiculitis stems from nerve impingement due to herniated disc(s), arthritis, or narrowing of the spinal canal. An experienced physician can discern which disorder is causing pain and discomfort, and set out an appropriate course of treatment.

Patients with lumbar radiculitis often describe a sharp and burning, or dull and aching, pain that runs through the buttock or hip, thigh, calf, and foot. As symptoms worsen, the patient may begin to experience weakness, numbness and tingling in their legs, as well.

Not all back pain needs to be treated with surgery. Many nonsurgical approaches can enable patients to adequately manage pain. Oral medications, steroid injections, physical therapy and other approaches can be beneficial to patients with chronic episodes of lumbar radiculitis.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a very sensitive tool that is may assist in accurate diagnosis of the cause of an individual’s back pain.

Loss of bowel or bladder control, worsening weakness or loss of sensation all are causes for immediate medical attention.

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.

Disclaimer

This resource has been provided by the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine as general information only. This information may not apply to a specific patient. Additional information may be found at http://www.orthop.washington.edu or by contacting the UW Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.


<< Previous Page


How useful was this page or article?

This article is rated **** out of 5 stars (116 ratings).

Not useful at all Not very useful Useful Very useful Extremely useful
* ** *** **** *****
Team Physicians to the UW Huskies Varsity Athletes...And You!
Copyrights and disclaimer  | Privacy statement | Editorial policy
Problems or questions? Contact the webmaster.
Copyright © 2008 University of Washington - Seattle, WA. All rights reserved.