Headaches & Nerve Pain
Lumbar Radiculopathy
Leg symptoms that follow a nerve root pattern from the lower back.
Also called: Pinched nerve in the low back, Nerve root irritation, lumbar.
Radiculopathy describes irritation or compression of a nerve root as it leaves the lumbar spine. Symptoms often travel in a recognisable band down the leg and may include numbness, tingling or weakness as well as pain.
The pattern of symptoms, which part of the leg or foot is involved, and whether it is constant or position-dependent, helps indicate which nerve root and which structure is likely involved.
Why this matters
Because the symptom is felt in the leg, people often treat the leg. The evaluation is about identifying where the nerve is actually being irritated, so that time and attention go to the right area.
Untreated irritation that continues to worsen can affect strength and daily function, which is part of why tracking changes over time matters as much as the initial finding.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Nerve roots carry both movement instructions out and sensory information back. Changes in strength, reflexes or sensation are part of what the examination looks for.
Because these pathways connect directly to the spinal cord and brain, findings here are taken seriously and monitored closely rather than assumed to resolve on their own.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.
Common questions
- Is this something chiropractic care can help with?
- Many cases of nerve root irritation respond well to conservative evaluation and care. When findings point toward something requiring imaging or a surgical opinion, we say so directly and help coordinate that referral.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Progressive weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or numbness in the saddle region are medical emergencies. Seek immediate medical care.
- Progressive weakness in the leg or foot
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Numbness in the saddle region
- Symptoms in both legs at once
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Low Back Pain & Sciatica — Low back pain is common, but the place that hurts is not always where the problem is being driven from.
- Back Pain — One of the most common reasons people look for a chiropractor — and rarely as simple as one sore muscle.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome — Hand numbness and tingling associated with the median nerve at the wrist.
- Cervical Radiculopathy — Arm symptoms that follow a nerve root pattern from the neck.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.