Lumbar Radiculopathy refers to pain associated with a pinched nerve in the low back. Radiculopathy can occur for many reasons including disc herniations and arthritis. Nerves in the lumbar spine primarily control sensations and strength in the legs which is where the symptoms of radiculopathy will occur. Symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy include sharp pain in one or both legs, weakness in legs, numbness and tingling. Depending on which nerve is being pinched depends on where the symptoms will occur.
If you are having these symptoms and would like to get rid of the pain, physical therapy should be your first course of action. At Professional Rehabilitation Services, we can perform an evaluation to see which areas need to be improved upon. During the evaluation, your physical therapist will assess joint mobility, soft tissue mobility, range of motion, strength and flexibility which could all be working together to aid in the symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy. Many times, patients get pushed towards surgery when these symptoms arise, but a physical therapist can use conservative techniques to treat the pain and allow you to return to full function without surgery. It is recommended to find a physical therapist who focuses treatment on manual therapy including dry needling, ART, joint mobilizations, and soft tissue mobilization (i.e., massage). Using manual therapy can help move the structures in the low back causing the pinched nerve. As the joints and muscles become more mobile the pressure on the pinched nerve begins to subside. Once the nerve is released the pain should recede.
At Professional Rehabilitation Services, we specialize in designing a specific program for each patient to ensure successful recovery. No one should have to live with pain…if you are tired of dealing with aches and pains daily give us a call and see what we can do for you.
For further information on this or other related topics you can contact Lisa O'Brien, PT, DPT, Cert. DN (Murrells Inlet) (843) 314-3224, Richard DeFalco, DPT, OCS, CSCS, CWcHP (Myrtle Beach) (843) 839-1300, Brian P. Kinmartin PT, DPT, MTC, STC, OCS, CWcHP (Pawleys Island) (843) 235-0200, Richard A. Owens, MPT, OCS, Cert. SMT, CWcHP (Surfside) (843) 831-0163, Jill P. Phelan, PT, DPT, Cert. DN (Conway) (843) 773-3031, Samantha Crisafulli PT, DPT (Carolina Forest) (843) 282-0440, Zach Daniels PT, DPT (Market Commons) (843) 213-6338, Brandon Stanley PT, DPT (Longs/Little River) (843) 491-0388 or visit our website at www.prsrehabservices.com where you can learn more about the company and even download a referral form for your physician to fill out. You can also call and schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
