Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine  
  Home   |   Site Map   |   Contact Us   |   Links   |   News  
Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine  
Advanced Search
Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
HomeAbout Prognosis and impactsIncidence and risk factorsSymptomsCauses and effectsCauses Effects Diagnosis and evaluation Management and treatment CopingResearchConclusion

Print Print Complete Article
View article with questions View article with questions



Click here to request a referral online.

Is it a slipped disc? Pinched nerve? Sciatica? Leg Pain May Stem from pinched nerve in the low back

Last updated Wednesday, March 05, 2008

*We are working to keep you fit for life. Click here to find out more*
<< Previous Page Next Page >>

Causes and effects

Causes

Irritation of the nerve root in any of the five lumbar-vertebrae nerves or the sacral nerves could lead to radiculitis. The nerve irritation is typically caused by herniated or prolapsed disc, by arthritis of the facet joints in that region of the spine, or by narrowing of the lumbar spine, called stenosis.

Effects

Symptoms of radiculitis (inflammation of a nerve root in the lower spine, causing pain, tingling, numbness or a burning sensation in the back and legs) vary between patients, depending on which of six lumbo-sacral nerve roots is irritated. Some patients can experience numbness in the big toe and foot, and others will experience pain at or above the hip, the buttocks, and elsewhere. Pain can be stinging and sharp, or dull. Patients can find it difficult to be comfortable while lying down.

Ignoring symptoms can lead to a change in their frequency, intensity or character.

Surgery for Lumbar Radiculitis at the University of Washington, Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Seattle, Washington

If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure in Seattle, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-4288 to make an appointment. Our clinical center is located in Seattle Washington, USA


<< Previous Page Next Page >>


How useful was this page or article?

This article is rated **** out of 5 stars (338 ratings).

Not useful at all Not very useful Useful Very useful Extremely useful
* ** *** **** *****
Team Physicians to the UW Huskies Varsity Athletes...And You!
Copyrights and disclaimer  | Privacy statement | Editorial policy
Problems or questions? Contact the webmaster.
Copyright © 2009 University of Washington - Seattle, WA. All rights reserved.