Sciatica

Lumbar radiculopathy is a syndrome of buttock/leg pain, weakness, and/or numbness/tingling caused by a pinched nerve in the back. Nerve compression in the back leads to pain in the legs. “Sciatica” is a common term used to describe the buttock/leg pains of lumbar radiculopathy. The leg pain from lumbar radiculopathy can be similar to leg pain from hip trochanteric bursitis, hip/knee arthritis, and piriformis syndrome.

Causes

Lumbar spinal nerves can become compressed by a lumbar disc herniation, bone spurs, or by spinal canal narrowing (lumbar spinal stenosis).

Symptoms

• Low back and/or buttock pain
• Shooting leg pain
• Leg numbness and tingling
• Leg weakness

Treatment

Leg pain from lumbar radiculopathy is initially treated by medications, physical therapy, and/or injections. Surgery may be necessary if there is significant weakness or if conservative treatments fail.