Lumbar radiculopathy is a disorder that is widely known as sciatica. It is a condition where the nerves in the lower back become compressed or irritated. Due to this, individuals face intense pain and numbness that radiates down the legs.
While surgery might be needed in more severe cases, many people find relief through non-surgical treatments.
In this post, we have discussed some non-surgical effective lumbar radiculopathy treatment options that don’t require surgery.
Non-Surgical Lumbar Radiculopathy Treatment Options
Medication for Pain Relief
One of the first steps in treating lumbar radiculopathy is managing pain through medication. Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce inflammation and help with mild pain. If the pain is more intense, a doctor may prescribe stronger medications such as muscle relaxants or oral steroids.
In some cases, corticosteroid injections directly into the affected area may help reduce inflammation around the nerve, providing temporary relief. Keep in mind that medication can ease pain, but it doesn’t address the root cause of the problem.
Physical Therapy for Recovery
Physical therapy plays a significant role in lumbar radiculopathy treatment. A physical therapist will guide you through exercises and stretches that help improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and relieve pressure on the affected nerves.
Some of the benefits of physical therapy include:
- Strengthening the muscles that support your spine
- Improving posture and body mechanics
- Reducing muscle tension and stiffness
- Teaching proper movement patterns to prevent future injuries
Physical therapy is often combined with other treatments like heat or cold therapy and electrical stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation.
Lifestyle Changes to Support Healing
Making certain lifestyle changes can also be an important part of your lumbar radiculopathy treatment. These changes can help prevent further stress on your back and support overall healing:
Maintaining a healthy weight: Extra weight can put added pressure on your lower back, which can worsen nerve compression. Losing weight through exercise and a balanced diet can take some of the strain off your spine.
Good posture: Whether sitting or standing, proper posture reduces strain on your spine and prevents further irritation of the nerves.
Staying active: While you should avoid strenuous or high-impact activities that worsen your pain, light exercises like walking, swimming, or biking can help strengthen your muscles and improve flexibility.
When to Consider Surgery for Lumbar Radiculopathy
Surgery is generally not the first step in treating lumbar radiculopathy. Most people experience relief with non-surgical treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.
However, if, after 6 to 8 weeks, you are still dealing with severe pain, weakness, or numbness, it may be time to consider other options, including surgery.
Surgical procedures like a laminectomy or discectomy are only considered when the pain doesn’t improve with conservative treatments or if there’s significant nerve damage. Surgery can provide relief by removing the source of nerve compression, but it’s typically a last resort.
Lumbar radiculopathy treatment should generally be tried for 6 to 8 weeks, using non-invasive options such as medication and physical therapy, before discussing surgery. If these treatments don’t help, Dr. Rajan Kalia at Orlando Pain Solutions in Kissimmee may start talking to you about surgical alternatives.
