Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is lumbar radiculopathy?
- How common is lumbar radiculopathy?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes lumbar radiculopathy?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for lumbar radiculopathy?
- Medicines & Medicines
- What are the treatment options for lumbar radiculopathy?
- The usual test for lumbosacral radiculopathy
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies to treat lumbar radiculopathy?
Definition
What is lumbar radiculopathy?
Lumbar radiculopathy is a disease associated with the spinal cord and nerve roots in the spinal cord. Precisely at the waist area and at the ends.
How common is lumbar radiculopathy?
Lumbar radiculopathy is a disease that can be experienced by both men and women. This disease occurs in 3 to 5 percent of the human population in the world. Men in their 40s and women from 50 to 60 years experience this disease more often.
You can prevent this disease by reducing risk factors. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy?
The typical symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy are numbness in the arms, legs, and muscle weakness. Another symptom that may arise from lumbar radiculopathy is sciatica, which is pain along the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body. These nerves run from the buttocks to the legs (hamstrings and legs). A person with this condition may also have difficulty controlling their urge to urinate and defecate.
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have the signs and symptoms listed above, or have any questions or concerns, please consult your doctor. Status and conditions may vary in many people. Always discuss with your doctor what diagnostic, treatment, and treatment method is best for you.
If you do not feel better during the medical treatment process, ask your doctor about a special treatment program.
Cause
What causes lumbar radiculopathy?
The cause of lumbar radiculopathy is pressure from a fractured / slipped hernia in the disc causing inflammation of the nerve roots.
Another possible reason for lumbar radiculopathy is disc degeneration. Discs are pieces of cartilage that lie between the bones in the spine that function to reduce shock when the bones move. Over time, the fibers can damage the disc. A fluid that is shaped like a jelly from the center of the disc can drain out (hernia) causing pressure on the nerve root and causing the appearance of the above symptoms.
Some of the other causes may include spinal stenosis, tumors, infections, and injuries.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for lumbar radiculopathy?
Factors that increase your risk of developing lumbar radiculopathy are:
- Age. Elderly have a higher risk
- Frequent strenuous physical activity
- Have other conditions related to spine or back pain
There are no risk factors that don't mean you can't get this disease. These signs are only valid as a reference. You should consult a specialist for more details.
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are the treatment options for lumbar radiculopathy?
Most patients do not need medication as the pain goes away with home treatment methods. This includes hot or cold compresses, relaxes muscles, does simple stretches, and uses over-the-counter pain relievers.
For chronic pain conditions that cannot be controlled, you must change your lifestyle by losing weight and exercising regularly so that symptoms can improve. These exercises will help you adjust your posture, create healthy back muscles and increase endurance.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, analgesics, and steroid injections can be used. Patients require follow-up surgery if these medications are ineffective or to resolve certain symptoms.
The usual test for lumbosacral radiculopathy
Your doctor can make a diagnosis based on your medical history and physical examination, especially of the spine and legs; check muscle strength, and muscle reflexes. Most patients have better health with rest, treatment or drug use, sometimes doctors will not need to do imaging tests.
For prolonged pain, the doctor will perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), x-rays, computed tomography (CT), for the diagnosis of bone marrow or electrical impulse conductivity (neurotransmitters).
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies to treat lumbar radiculopathy?
Some of the lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help you treat lumbar radiculopathy are:
- Try to maintain good posture while sitting, standing, and lifting. Perform activities lifting and carrying heavy loads properly.
- Know your own health condition to help control pain.
- If possible, do regular exercise.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
