How to detect lumbar radiculopathy?

This is an automatically translated article.

This article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Van Thai - Neurosurgeon - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital. Doctor Nguyen Van Thai has many years of experience in the examination and treatment of diseases specialized in Neurology.

1. Learn about pathology

Lumbar radiculopathy is a disease involving the nerve roots in the lower back and sacrum.
This is a combined lesion of sciatica and lumbar spine disease. Lumbar radiculopathy causes pain in the lower back that radiates down the legs, often aggravated by cold and humid weather.
Both men and women are at risk. People who are regularly active, have other diseases related to the spine, back pain and older age have a higher risk of disease.

2. Causes and symptoms of lumbar nerve root pain

2.1 Causes of the disease Common causes are the impact and pressure from herniated disc disease, long-term back pain leading to irritation and inflammation of the nerve roots. Intervertebral discs are pieces of cartilage between the bones (vertebrae) in the spine, these cushions act as shock absorbers when the vertebrae move. Over time, the outer fibrous capsule can tear. A jelly-like fluid from the center of the disc can be herniated, putting pressure on the nerve root and causing symptoms. In addition, there are a number of other causes such as spinal stenosis, tumors, infections and trauma. 2.2 Symptoms of Lumbar Nerve Pain Sciatica, pain that runs along the sciatic nerve running from the buttocks down the back of the thighs, shins and feet. Numbness in the legs and muscle weakness. Numbness and loss of bladder control.

3. Diagnosis of lumbar nerve root pain

Your doctor can diagnose lumbar radiculopathy based on your medical history and physical exam. Most patients improve with rest, care, or medication, so sometimes the doctor won't need imaging.
If the pain is persistent, the doctor may order elective tests such as:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Computed tomography CT scan. X-ray. Electromechanical.

4. Methods of treatment

An epidural solution is a good choice because it is a simple and effective technique. Changing activities that can make it worse, or taking pain relievers or muscle relaxants. Lose weight to normal. If it gets worse, surgery is needed.
Epidural injection solution is a good choice because it is a simple and effective technique in many cases of acute pain, is less invasive, preserves the disc, and reduces the number of patients requiring surgery. .
The technique is contraindicated in patients with inflammation, ulceration, and infection at the injection site. Severe injury to the lumbar spine, such as spondylitis, vertebral cancer.... Coagulation disorders, taking anticoagulants and contraindications related to progressive stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding diabetes is difficult to control.

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