Leg Pain – Lumbosacral Radiculopathy

Fremont Leg Pain Diagnosis & Treatment

Have your legs been in pain even though you have not suffered an injury? A likely culprit is Lumbosacral Radiculopathy. This is a common condition for both men and women between the ages of 40 and 60. Lumbosacral Radiculopathy occurs when pressure from a slipped disk or regular disk degeneration destroys cartilage and causes nerve roots in the spine to swell. The nerve roots release painful sensations through the back of the thigh and calf to let the brain know something is wrong and help is needed. You may also notice a numb or tingling feeling, and could lose bladder control.

Recovery

Lumbosacral Radiculopathy can usually be diagnosed with a standard physical. Medication and surgery are rarely needed to treat the issue. In most cases, the condition will go away with appropriate self-care like stretching, exercising, and applying hot or cold packs. Pain medication may be provided in the interim to manage symptoms. A physical therapist can instruct you on appropriate exercises for recovery. If regular methods aren’t working, a doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and/or steroid injections. Surgery is recommended in severe cases.