Lumbar Radiculopathy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Lumbar Radiculopathy?
An orthopedic doctor, a bone and joint doctor, or a neurologist, a nerve doctor, often treats lumbar radiculopathy. A physiatrist (a rehabilitation doctor) or a pain specialist may also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is lumbar radiculopathy?
Lumbar radiculopathy is a squeezed nerve root in the lower part of the spine. This is the nerve pain many people call sciatica.
Sciatica is a very broad term describing nerve pain, not a specific diagnosis. The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back to your feet.
Symptoms
Sciatica refers to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg. Symptoms usually affect the bottom and the back of one leg, often including the foot and toes. You may feel:
- A sharp, burning pain down the back of the leg.
- Tingling, like pins and needles.
- Numbness.
- Weakness.
The pain may be worse when you move, sneeze, or cough. The pain most often occurs on one side of the body.
Causes and who gets it
Sciatica happens when something presses or rubs on the sciatic nerve. Common causes include:
- A slipped or herniated disk, a soft cushion between the bones of the spine that pushes out. This is the most common cause.
- Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the part of the spine where nerves pass through.
- Spondylolisthesis, when one of the bones in the spine slips out of position.
- A back injury.
People are most likely to get sciatica between the ages of 30 and 75. In people under 40 the cause is typically a herniated disk. Older adults typically have sciatica from bone spurs and arthritis.
How doctors diagnose it
Diagnosis begins with a complete patient history. A physical exam may help pinpoint the irritated nerve root. Your doctor may ask you to squat and rise, walk on your heels and toes, or do a straight-leg raising test.
Tests are often not needed unless pain is severe or long-lasting. If tests are ordered, they may include an x-ray or MRI, which are pictures of the spine.
Treatment
In most cases, no surgery is needed and recovery occurs with conservative treatment, which means treatment without surgery. About 80 to 90% of people with sciatica get better over time without surgery.
Sciatica is a symptom of another problem, so the cause should be found and treated. Nonsurgical treatment aims to help you manage your pain and may include:
- Staying as active as you can. Do not sit or lie down for long periods.
- Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen, or muscle relaxants may offer relief.
- Gentle heat or cold on painful muscles may be soothing.
- Exercises and physical therapy.
- Sometimes, a cortisone-like injection near the spine.
You might need surgery if you still have disabling leg pain after 3 or more months of nonsurgical treatment. Surgery can relieve pressure on the spinal nerves, but it is usually the last resort.
Sciatica often gets better on its own, but it is common for it to return. Follow your doctor's instructions about activity and exercise.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if the pain has not improved after trying home treatments for a few weeks, is getting worse, or is stopping you from doing your normal activities.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you have sciatica on both sides, or severe weakness or numbness in both legs. Also call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have numbness around your genitals or bottom, trouble peeing or controlling your pee, or trouble controlling when you poo. These could be symptoms of a serious back problem that needs to be treated in hospital as soon as possible.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can examine your back and legs, start nonsurgical care, and refer you to a spine or pain specialist if needed.
Common questions
Is lumbar radiculopathy the same as sciatica?
Mostly, yes. Lumbar radiculopathy is another name for sciatica. Sciatic pain occurs when the nerve root in the lower spine is compressed. Sciatica describes the nerve pain, not a specific diagnosis.
Does lumbar radiculopathy go away on its own?
Often, yes. Sciatica usually gets better in a few weeks to a few months but can last longer.
Should I stay in bed with sciatica?
No. Bed rest is not recommended. Do not remain in bed, because too much rest may cause other parts of the body to feel discomfort.
Can lumbar radiculopathy come back?
Yes, it can. If you get sciatica, there is a chance that it could happen again at some point.
Can sciatica cause lasting damage?
It can in some cases. Sciatica can lead to permanent numbness or weakness of the leg.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
