Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica)

Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica): Overview

The spinal cord branches out to all parts of the body. The part of a nerve that connects to the spinal cord is called a nerve root. If one of these roots is injured or pinched, pain, weakness, numbness or tingling may be felt in the part of the body served by that nerve.

Common causes of nerve root injury include a herniated disc, spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease.

A herniated disc

occurs when a spinal disc ruptures and presses against a nerve root.

Spinal stenosis

occurs when the bones that form the spinal canal grow inward, pinching a nerve root.

Degenerative disc disease

occurs when a spinal disc weakens, allowing vertebral bones above and below the disc to shift out of position. The bones can touch,
pinching nearby nerve roots. Bony spurs may form, and these may also press against the nerves.

The nerve roots leaving the lower back serve the legs. When a lumbar root is injured, pain, weakness, numbness or tingling may be felt in the buttocks, leg or foot. This pain is usually called sciatica.

Damage at the L2 level can create thigh pain and hip weakness.

Damage at the L3 level can create thigh pain and knee and thigh weakness.

Damage at the L4 level can create pain from the lower back to the foot and and foot weakness.

Damage at the L5 level can create pain from the outer leg to the top of the foot and foot weakness.

Damage at the S1 level can create pain from the calf to the outer foot and foot weakness.