Lumbar radiculopathy refers to disorders that affect the nerve roots of the lumbar spine. These nerves principally supply the muscles and sensation of the legs. The most common causes are lumbar disc disease, spinal stenosis, arachnoiditis and spinal deformity.
Causes of Lumbar Radiculopathy
Lumbar disc disease, osteoarthritis of the spine, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, arachnoiditis and spinal tumors are common causes of this disorder.
Signs and Symptoms of Lumbar Radiculopathy
The symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy depend on which nerves or nerve roots are affected. This depends on which level of the spine in involved. Numbness, tingling and weakness of the legs occur. There pain be pain which radiates into the leg or buttock. In general, the symptoms tend to be worse with activity or certain positions and are improved or relieved with rest. The sacral nerve roots, which pass through the lower spine along with the lumbar nerve roots, supply function to the bladder and bowel. It is not uncommon to have dysfunction of these nerves with bowel and bladder abnormalities is association with lumbar radiculopathy.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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