Lumbar Radiculopathy

Lumbar radiculopathy, also called a "pinched nerve," refers to a loss of function in the leg or foot, and occurs when a nerve in the lower back is compressed or irritated where it branches away from the spinal cord. This compression may cause muscle numbness and weakness and pain that radiates down the back of the leg to the calf or foot.

Causes of Lumbar Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy is often caused by:

• Herniated disc with nerve compression
• Foraminal stenosis
• Diabetes
• Nerve root injuries
• Scar tissue from previous spinal surgery that is affecting the nerve root

Symptoms of Lumbar Radiculopathy

Symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy include:

• Pain in the low back
• Pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness that travels into the buttocks, hip, groin, or leg
• Muscle spasms