Lumbar Radiculopathy Treatment St. Louis

Lower Back Pain Shooting Down Your Leg? Let’s Find Out Why

When everyday movements leave you wincing, your spine is sending a signal. Don’t ignore it. Our specialized lumbar radiculopathy care helps you uncover the cause and reclaim pain-free mobility

What is Lumbar Radiculopathy?

Lumbar radiculopathy occurs when nerves in your lower back become compressed or irritated, often causing pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that travels from your lower back into your leg(s). It’s commonly referred to as sciatica, though not all cases are the same.

Even subtle leg discomfort can signal nerve trouble; acting early helps you stay active

What’s Behind That Shooting Pain Down Your Leg?

Herniated or slipped disc

Degenerative disc disease

Lumbar spinal stenosis

Spondylolisthesis

Bone spurs

Trauma or injury

Key Signs You May Have Lumbar Radiculopathy

Lower back pain shooting down your leg? You might be experiencing lumbar radiculopathy, also known as sciatica — a condition caused by compression or irritation of nerves in the lower spine.

If you’re struggling with back or leg pain that won’t go away, our Lumbar Radiculopathy Specialists in St. Louis can help identify the exact cause and create a treatment plan that enables you to move comfortably again

Pain radiating from the lower back to the legs or buttocks
Tingling or numbness in the legs or feet
Leg weakness or heaviness
Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or sneezing
Difficulty walking or standing for long periods

How We Find the Cause of Your Back and Leg Pain

We carefully evaluate your spine and nerves using a mix of clinical exams and advanced testing to identify the source of your pain and guide you to the right treatment sooner

Review of Symptoms & Physical Exam

Assess strength, reflexes, and sensation to understand how your nerves and muscles are functioning

Imaging Tests: MRI, CT, or X-rays

Detailed images of your lower spine help pinpoint nerve compression, herniated discs, or other structural issues

Nerve Conduction Studies

Measure how well your nerves communicate with your muscles to identify areas causing pain, tingling, or weakness

Our Approach to Lumbar Radiculopathy Treatment

Our focus is on relieving nerve pain, restoring mobility, and improving daily function, starting with the least invasive methods first.

Non-Surgical Care

For many patients, we consider surgery only when necessary. We focus first on gentle, effective treatments that relieve pain, strengthen your back, and help you regain mobility.

Targeted Medications

Anti-inflammatory or muscle-relaxing medicines to ease discomfort

Guided Physical Therapy

Exercises tailored to improve back strength, flexibility, and nerve health

Nerve-Directed Injections

Steroid injections to reduce pressure and inflammation around affected nerves

Lifestyle & Posture Guidance

Adjustments to daily movements and habits to protect your lower back

Surgical Options

If non-surgical treatments aren’t providing enough relief, we would recommend surgery to relieve pressure on your nerves and restore function. We focus on minimally invasive techniques to make recovery smoother and help you get back to your daily routine as comfortably as possible.

Decompression Surgery

Relieves pressure on the spinal nerves to reduce pain and restores mobility.

Spinal Fusion

Joins vertebrae to stabilize the spine, providing long-term support and comfort.

Artificial Disc Replacement

Replaces a damaged disc to restore natural movements and flexibility.

What Makes Our Lumbar Radiculopathy Care Stand Out

We know it’s more than just lower back pain or leg tingling. That numbness in your legs, weakness when walking, or constant discomfort? We understand how it impacts your daily life, and we treat the person, not just the symptoms.

Experienced Spine & Nerve Specialists

You’ll be cared for by our Lumbar radiculopathy doctor in St.Louis with the expertise and compassion to guide you through every step of treatment.

Advanced, Minimally Invasive Options

We use modern techniques and precision tools to reduce nerve pressure and make recovery smoother.

Customized Treatment Plans

Don’t settle for generic care. Our specialists in St. Louis evaluate your symptoms, scans, and daily needs to create a treatment plan tailored to your suffering.

Local Care You Can Trust

Patients across St. Louis rely on us because we make the process understandable, supportive, and focused on results.

Your Next Chapter: Recovery at STL Spine Care

What to Expect After Treatment

Healing looks different for everyone. At STL Spine Care, we walk with you through every stage, whether recovery takes weeks after surgery or just days with non-surgical care.

Physical Therapy & Follow-Up Care

We stay by your side with gentle therapy and thoughtful check-ins, making sure you feel supported every step of the way.

Return to Normal Activities

Getting back to the things you love matters most, and we’ll help you do it safely and at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is lumbar radiculopathy, and is it the same as sciatica?

Lumbar radiculopathy happens when a nerve root in your lower back is pinched, sending sharp or tingling pain down your leg. Sciatica is one of its most common forms, often felt as shooting leg pain.

Can lumbar radiculopathy get better without treatment?

Sometimes a mild flare-up eases with rest and gentle movement, but talking to a specialist early can help keep your back and legs feeling their best.

How long does recovery usually take?

Recovery varies, but most people notice relief in a few weeks. For personalized lumbar radiculopathy treatment in St. Louis, a specialist can guide the right plan.

When is surgery needed for lumbar radiculopathy?

We recommend starting with physical therapy, gentle exercises, and medications to ease nerve pain. Surgery usually only comes into play if symptoms persist or begin to affect your daily life.

Can lumbar radiculopathy cause leg weakness or numbness?

Yes. A compressed nerve in the lower back can lead to tingling, numbness, or weakness in your legs. We treat these symptoms early to protect nerve function and help you stay active and pain-free.