Lumbar Radiculopathy Treatment Near Me in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX

What is Lumbar Radiculopathy?

Lumbar radiculopathy is a condition caused by compression or irritation of a nerve root in the lower back. The lumbar spine houses the spinal nerve roots, which exit the spinal canal and control movement and sensation in the lower body. When a nerve root becomes compressed, it can lead to radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the back, hips, legs, or feet.¹

This condition can affect one or multiple nerve roots, and the location of discomfort depends on which spinal nerve root is involved. In some cases, lumbar radiculopathy may make standing, walking, or sitting for long periods difficult.

What Causes Lumbar Radiculopathy?

Lumbar radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve root in the lumbar spine becomes compressed or irritated. This compression can result from degenerative changes, injuries, or structural abnormalities in the lower back. Several conditions can contribute to nerve root irritation, leading to back pain, nerve compression, and reduced mobility.

Common Causes of lumbar radiculopathy include:

Herniated Disc – A herniated disc (also called a slipped or ruptured disc) occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through its tough outer layer. This can press on a spinal nerve root, triggering pain, numbness, and muscle weakness in the affected area.
Degenerative Disc Disease – As spinal discs naturally wear down with age, they lose cushioning and height, increasing the risk of nerve compression. This can cause inflammation and pain along the affected nerve.
Spinal Stenosis – This condition involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can pinch nerve roots and lead to lumbar radiculopathy symptoms. Spinal stenosis is often linked to spondylosis, a condition that results from degenerative changes in the spine over time.
Bone Spurs (Osteophytes) – Extra bony growths, called bone spurs, can develop due to arthritis or spinal wear and tear. These growths may press against nerve roots, leading to nerve compression and pain.
Spondylolisthesis – This condition occurs when a vertebra slips forward over the one below it, potentially compressing a spinal nerve root. It can result in lower back pain, leg weakness, and difficulty walking.
Facet Joint Disease – The facet joints help stabilize the spine, but arthritis or injury can cause inflammation, leading to nerve irritation and back pain. Over time, this may contribute to nerve root compression in the lumbar spine.
Trauma or Injury – Accidents, falls, or sports-related injuries can cause direct damage to the spinal nerve roots or lead to herniated discs and fractures, increasing the risk of lumbar radiculopathy.
Tumors and Infections – Though less common, spinal tumors or infections can invade the spinal canal, placing pressure on the spinal nerve roots and contributing to lumbar radiculopathy symptoms.²

Because lumbar radiculopathy can arise from multiple factors, it is essential to seek spine care from a spine specialist in Dallas-Fort Worth. A thorough physical examination and imaging tests can help pinpoint the cause and determine the best radiculopathy treatment plan to improve quality of life.

Symptoms of Lumbar Radiculopathy

Lumbar radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the lumbar spine becomes compressed or irritated, leading to a range of neurological symptoms. The severity and location of these symptoms depend on which spinal nerve root is affected, but they often extend beyond the lower back, impacting the hips, legs, and feet.

Common Symptoms of Lumbar Radiculopathy

Lower back pain – Discomfort that may be sharp, burning, or aching in nature.
Radiating leg pain – Pain that extends from the lower back into the buttocks, thighs, calves, or feet.
Numbness or tingling – A “pins and needles” sensation, particularly in the legs or feet, caused by nerve compression.
Muscle weakness – Difficulty lifting the foot, standing for long periods, or maintaining balance due to nerve dysfunction.
Worsening pain with movement – Symptoms may intensify with walking, sitting for extended periods, or bending.
Loss of reflexes – Diminished or absent reflexes in the knee or ankle, indicating a compressed nerve root.³

If left untreated, lumbar radiculopathy can progressively worsen, affecting mobility and quality of life. A spine specialist can diagnose the condition and develop a personalized treatment plan to relieve symptoms and restore function.

How is Lumbar Radiculopathy Diagnosed?

Diagnosing lumbar radiculopathy involves a physical examination and imaging tests to identify the affected nerve root and determine the best treatment options.

Physical Examination

A spine specialist will assess:

Pain patterns and radiculopathy symptoms, including muscle weakness and numbness.
Reflexes, mobility, and nerve function to check for signs of a compressed nerve.
Nerve tension tests, such as the straight leg raise (SLR) test, which may indicate nerve root compression.

Imaging and Diagnostic Tests

To confirm the diagnosis and identify the cause, doctors may order:

X-rays – To detect bone spurs, spondylosis, or degenerative disc disease.
MRI – Provides detailed images of the spinal cord, nerve roots, and lumbar spine.
EMG & Nerve Conduction Studies – Evaluate nerve function and detect nerve damage.⁴

A precise diagnosis ensures a personalized treatment plan, whether through non-surgical treatments like physical therapy or advanced spine care to relieve nerve compression and improve quality of life.

Lumbar Radiculopathy Treatment

Effective management of lumbar radiculopathy aims to alleviate back pain, improve nerve function, and enhance the patient’s overall quality of life. Treatment strategies typically begin with conservative treatments and may progress to surgical interventions if necessary.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Lumbar Radiculopathy

Non-surgical approaches focus on relieving pain and restoring mobility without invasive procedures:

Physical Therapy: Customized exercise programs designed to strengthen the muscles supporting the lumbar spine, improve flexibility, and reduce nerve compression.
Medication Management: Utilization of anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers to manage symptoms and reduce inflammation.

Epidural Steroid Injections: Administration of corticosteroids directly into the epidural space to decrease inflammation and relieve nerve compression around the affected nerve roots, providing pain relief and aiding in spinal decompression.

Nerve Blocks: Targeted injections that temporarily block pain signals from specific nerves, aiding in both diagnosis and pain relief.
Lumbar Radiofrequency Neurotomy (Rhizotomy): A minimally invasive procedure using radiofrequency energy to disrupt pain signals from the affected nerve, offering longer-term relief.
Ketamine Infusion Therapy: An emerging treatment option that modulates nerve signaling pathways to manage chronic pain unresponsive to other therapies.
Magnetic Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: Non-invasive therapy employing magnetic fields to stimulate peripheral nerves, reducing pain and improving nerve function.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): A non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain areas involved in pain perception, potentially alleviating chronic pain.

Surgery for Lumbar Radiculopathy

When non-surgical treatments do not provide sufficient relief, surgical options may be considered:

Microdiscectomy: Removal of the herniated portion of a disc to relieve pressure on the nerve root.
Laminectomy: Removal of part of the vertebra (lamina) to enlarge the spinal canal and reduce nerve compression.
Spinal Fusion Surgery: Joining two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine and alleviate pain from movement.
Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery: Replacing a damaged cervical disc with an artificial one to maintain neck mobility.
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS): Implanting a device near the spinal cord that sends electrical pulses to disrupt pain signals before they reach the brain.

Surgical interventions are typically considered when conservative treatments have failed to provide relief, and the specific procedure is chosen based on the patient’s unique condition and overall health.

Contact Us

If lumbar radiculopathy is affecting your daily life, the team at DFW Spine & Pain Institute is here to help. Serving patients throughout Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, we offer personalized, minimally invasive treatments designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve your quality of life. Our spine specialists will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief.

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FAQs About Lumbar Radiculopathy

Is lumbar radiculopathy the same as sciatica?

No, lumbar radiculopathy and sciatica are not the same, although they are related. Lumbar radiculopathy is a broad term referring to nerve compression or irritation in the lumbar spine, which can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the lower back, hips, legs, or feet.

Sciatica, on the other hand, is a specific type of lumbar radiculopathy that affects the sciatic nerve—the largest nerve in the body, which runs from the lower back down through the buttocks and legs. Sciatica symptoms typically follow a distinct pain pattern along the sciatic nerve, whereas lumbar radiculopathy can involve other nerve roots, leading to pain in different areas, such as the front of the thigh or inner leg.

While both conditions can result from a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease, the affected nerve root determines the location of symptoms. A spine specialist can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options for long-term relief.

When should I see a doctor for lumbar radiculopathy?

You should see a spine specialist if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy, such as:

Severe or radiating back pain that extends into the hips, legs, or feet.
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the lower body.
Difficulty standing, walking, or maintaining balance.
Pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter medications.
Loss of bladder or bowel control (a potential sign of a serious condition like cauda equina syndrome, which requires emergency care).

Early diagnosis and non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, and pain management strategies can help prevent worsening nerve compression and improve your quality of life. If symptoms persist despite conservative treatments, a spine specialist may discuss minimally invasive or surgical treatment options to relieve nerve root compression and restore function.

Can lumbar radiculopathy be treated without surgery?

Yes, many cases of lumbar radiculopathy respond well to non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, and medication management. Surgery is typically considered only if these treatments fail to provide relief.

Is rhizotomy/radiofrequency ablation (RFA) safe for lumbar radiculopathy?

Yes, RFA is a safe and effective option for patients with chronic nerve pain caused by spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or radiculopathy. This minimally invasive procedure disrupts pain signals, providing long-term relief without major surgery.

Can physical therapy help with lumbar radiculopathy?

Absolutely. Physical therapy is a key component of treatment, helping to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce strain on the lumbar spine. A tailored exercise program can alleviate symptoms and prevent further nerve compression.

What is the recovery time for minimally invasive spine surgery?

Recovery times vary, but minimally invasive spine surgery generally allows patients to resume light activities within a few weeks. Full recovery depends on the specific procedure and individual health factors.

References
¹ Cleveland Clinic. Radiculopathy. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22564-radiculopathy. Accessed March 20, 2025.

² Massachusetts General. Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica). Available: https://www.massgeneral.org/orthopaedics/spine/conditions-and-treatments/lumbar-radiculopathy-and-sciatica. Accessed March 20, 2025.

³ Johns Hopkins Medicine. Radiculopathy. Available: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/radiculopathy. Accessed March 20, 2025.

⁴ Dydyk AM, Khan MZ, Singh P. Radicular Back Pain. [Updated 2022 Oct 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546593/. Accessed March 20, 2025.