Lumbar Radiculopathy

Lumbar radiculopathy is the irritation or compression of a nerve root in the lower part of the spine, which causes discomfort that may extend from the lower back down the leg following the path of the nerve.

Common symptoms: Pain that travels down the buttock and the leg, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected area, sometimes popularly known as "sciatica."

When to seek care? If the radiating pain persists, is accompanied by loss of strength or numbness, or limits your movements, it is advisable to have it evaluated.

Which specialist treats it? The orthopedist and the neurologist evaluate this condition, and physical therapy usually accompanies the recovery of mobility. When back pain that radiates to the leg does not subside, a professional evaluation will help identify its cause and guide the care.