Lumbar radiculopathy or Low back pain?

Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention, but not all back pain is created equal. Two frequently encountered conditions, lumbar radiculopathy and low back pain, can cause significant discomfort, but they stem from very different causes and require distinct approaches to care.

In this blog, we’ll provide an overview of both conditions, explain how to differentiate between them, and dive into the underlying pathophysiology of lumbar radiculopathy, including the causes of nerve root entrapment.

Low Back Pain: An Overview

Low back pain is a general term that encompasses a variety of causes, ranging from muscle strains to structural issues in the spine.

Signs and Symptoms

• Aching, dull, or sharp pain in the lower back region.

• Pain that may be localized or spread slightly to the hips or upper legs.

• Stiffness or difficulty in moving, particularly after long periods of sitting or standing.

• Symptoms often improve with rest or changes in position.

Causes

• Muscle or ligament strain from overuse or poor posture.

• Degenerative changes, such as arthritis or disc wear.

• Poor ergonomics, obesity, or lack of physical activity.

Low back pain typically originates from musculoskeletal issues rather than nerve involvement, which is a key differentiator from lumbar radiculopathy.

Lumbar Radiculopathy: An Overview

Lumbar radiculopathy, often referred to as sciatica, occurs when a nerve root in the lumbar spine becomes compressed or irritated, causing symptoms that radiate along the nerve’s pathway.

Signs and Symptoms

• Sharp, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back down into the buttocks, thighs, and possibly the legs.

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet.

• Pain that worsens with activities like coughing, sneezing, or prolonged sitting.

• Symptoms often follow a specific nerve root distribution, such as the sciatic nerve.

Key Differences from Low Back Pain

While low back pain is localized, lumbar radiculopathy causes pain that radiates and may include neurological symptoms like numbness or weakness. These differences are essential in diagnosing the condition.

Basic Pathophysiology of Lumbar Radiculopathy

The hallmark of lumbar radiculopathy is nerve root compression or irritation at the point where the nerve exits the spinal canal. This compression disrupts normal nerve function, leading to pain, sensory changes, and sometimes motor deficits.

Causes of Nerve Entrapment

• Herniated Discs: A common cause where the inner gel-like portion of a spinal disc protrudes and presses against the nerve root.

• Bone Spurs: Overgrowth of bone due to arthritis can narrow the space in the spinal canal or foramina, compressing nerves.

• Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal, often from degenerative changes, can trap nerve roots.

• Spondylolisthesis: A condition where one vertebra slips forward onto another, potentially pinching a nerve root.

• Inflammation: Swelling from an injury or chronic conditions like autoimmune diseases can irritate the nerve root.

When nerve roots are compressed, the resulting symptoms are a direct consequence of impaired signal transmission along the affected nerve.

Differentiating Lumbar Radiculopathy from Low Back Pain

Location of Symptoms

• Low Back Pain: Symptoms are localized to the lower back.

• Lumbar Radiculopathy: Pain radiates down the leg along the affected nerve root.

Neurological Symptoms

• Low Back Pain: Rarely includes numbness, tingling, or weakness.

• Lumbar Radiculopathy: Often accompanied by these symptoms.

Pain Triggers

• Low Back Pain: May improve with rest and worsen with specific movements.

• Lumbar Radiculopathy: Often worsens with activities that increase nerve tension, such as sitting, coughing, or bending forward.

  
  

Chiropractic Care for Both Conditions

Chiropractic care can provide effective, non-invasive relief for both low back pain and lumbar radiculopathy:

• For Low Back Pain: Chiropractors focus on restoring proper spinal alignment, relieving muscle tension, and improving posture to alleviate discomfort.

• For Lumbar Radiculopathy: Chiropractic adjustments can help reduce nerve root compression, promote healing, and restore normal nerve function.

Take the First Step:

Understanding the difference between lumbar radiculopathy and low back pain is crucial for proper treatment. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek care promptly to address the root cause and prevent further complications.

MDemetriou Chiropractic