Leg Pain Caused by Nerve Compression in the Lower Back

What Is Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica)?

Lumbar radiculopathy, commonly referred to as sciatica, is a condition where a spinal nerve in the lower back becomes irritated or compressed, typically due to a herniated disc or bone spur. This results in pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve — from the lower back, through the buttock, and down the leg.

While sciatica is a symptom rather than a disease itself, it usually indicates an underlying structural issue in the lumbar spine.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Herniated disc pressing on a nerve root
• Lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Bone spurs (osteophytes) from degenerative disc disease
• Spondylolisthesis (vertebra slipping out of place)
• Trauma to the spine
• Tumors (rare)
• Risk increases with age, poor posture, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and heavy labor

Symptoms

• Sharp or burning pain radiating from the lower back into one leg
• Pain worsens with sitting, coughing, sneezing, or prolonged standing
• Numbness or tingling in the leg, foot, or toes
• Muscle weakness in the affected leg
• Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
• Typically affects only one side of the body

Diagnosis

• Clinical examination: Evaluation of reflexes, muscle strength, and sensory function
• Straight leg raise test: Helps provoke sciatica symptoms
• MRI: Primary imaging method to assess disc and nerve involvement
• CT scan or myelogram (for those who cannot undergo MRI)
• Electromyography (EMG): Used in complex or unclear cases to evaluate nerve function

Treatment

Non-Surgical Treatment

• Rest and activity modification during flare-ups
• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) or oral corticosteroids
• Physical therapy: Stretching, core strengthening, and body mechanics training
• Epidural steroid injections: Reduce inflammation around the nerve
• Most patients recover within several weeks to a few months

Surgical Treatment

• Considered if symptoms persist beyond 6–12 weeks or there is progressive weakness
• Microdiscectomy: Removes herniated disc fragment compressing the nerve
• Laminectomy (if caused by spinal stenosis): Decompresses the affected nerve root
• Surgery is highly effective for relieving leg pain and restoring nerve function

Recovery Timeline

• Non-surgical recovery: Typically improves within 6–12 weeks
• Surgical recovery:
• Return to desk work: ~2–4 weeks post-op
• Physical therapy begins around 4–6 weeks
• Return to full activities or sports: ~8–12 weeks based on progress

Expert Treatment at Kerlan Jobe Institute

The spine specialists at Kerlan Jobe Institute understand the debilitating effects of lumbar radiculopathy. We provide comprehensive, personalized care to accurately diagnose the cause and relieve your pain — whether through conservative measures or advanced surgical intervention — so you can return to your daily activities with confidence.