On average, 3 to 5% of people aged 30-50 years are likely to get symptoms of Lumbar radiculopathy. Nevertheless, this condition is treatable. Having awareness about this illness can help you to seek professional help and receive proper treatment. While most lumbar radiculopathy cases recover without surgery, they respond well to physical therapy. Physical therapists come up with treatment programs set to help individuals in reducing pain and regain their normal movement. Here are is all you need to know about lumbar radiculopathy therapy.
What is Lumbar Radiculopathy Therapy?
Lumbar radiculopathy is also referred to as radiculitis or sciatica. It is a condition that occurs when injuries happen to the nerves on your lower back. When these nerves are pinched or compressed, they cause pain that might extend to your lower back, hips, foot, and legs. Sudden trauma or long-term stress that affects the back structures are the causes of this condition. Lumbar radiculopathy affects people between 30-50 years.
Risk Factors
- Repeated lifting
- Participating in weight-bearing sports
- Poor posture
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Sedentary lifestyle
Symptoms of Lumbar Radiculopathy
Throbbing, aching, acute, dull, scorching, pressure, numbness, tingling, or shooting pain are common symptoms. It is beneficial to write down anything that makes the pain better or worse before seeing a PM&R physician. Back discomfort is common, but leg issues (particularly the buttocks) are the most common complaint.
Benefits of Radiculopathy Therapy
To support your spine better, engage in physical radiculopathy therapy. It involves strengthening your core and back muscles. Also, it is a great option if you are having radiculopathy symptoms and wish to avoid surgery. Here are some benefits of physical lumbar radiculopathy therapy:
- Physical therapy can help with lumbar radiculopathy discomfort and weakness by improving mechanics at the nerve interface (foramen) and strengthening regions of weakness or muscle imbalance to prevent future nerve impairment. A highly qualified PT will conduct a complete evaluation to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your impairments and functional demands.
- The hip flexor stretch helps your hip to rotate more effectively, hence increasing your flexibility to walk.
- The quadriceps stretch: helps in improving the flexibility of your lumbar.
- To improve the condition affecting the lower vertebrae of your spine, bring your knees near your chest. Performing this exercise lowers your back and helps in spondylolisthesis.
Best Radiculopathy exercises
According to one study, patients who did neck and chest exercises at least twice a week had stronger muscles, less pain, and fewer reoccurring injuries. Some of these exercises include:
1. Chin tuck: Chin tucks are the most effective approach to maintaining your head aligned with your spine and strengthening and stretching your neck.
- Begin by lying down on your back.
- Underneath your head, place a pillow.
- Tuck your chin in slowly and without moving your head.
- Place your head firmly on the pillow.
- If you can, hold this position for 4 seconds.
- Release this stance to relax your body.
To see positive effects, repeat this process 30 times. Your neck should feel like it’s being dragged from behind, with some pressure on the front. However, if you get pain, cease doing this exercise immediately.
2. Hip flexor stretch
The hip flexor stretch will help you increase mobility and rotation.
- Kneel on one knee
- Raise the arm on the same side as the down-on-the-ground knee
- Return your raised arm. Your hips should shift forward and your back should stretch
- Hold for 20-30 seconds in that position.
Repeat this exercise thrice a day.
3. Trap stretches
Stretch the trapezius muscles in the back of the neck with this stretch. These muscles might compress your spine and nerves if they are overly tight. You can loosen the muscles and release any trapped nerves by extending the trapezius muscle.
Southern Pain and Neurological provides optimal pain reduction when it comes to lumbar radiculopathy. We give individualized treatment to help you improve the quality of your life. Contact us today, for effective, reliable pain management.