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Chapter-11 Lumbosacral Radiculopathy Pain and Its Management

BOOK TITLE: Symptom Oriented Pain Management

Author
1. Weiss Cherrie
2. Staats Peter
ISBN
9789350257975
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/11597_11
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2012
Pages
15
Author Affiliations
1. Premier Pain Centers, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702, USA
2. John Hopkins University, Premier Pain Centers, Shrewsbury NJ, 07702, USA
Chapter keywords

Abstract

The common medical complaint is the low back pain which is the common reason to consult a physician. The disorder of spinal nerve roots are referred to lumbar radiculopathy but it generally refers to a dysesthetic sensation or pain occurring in a pattern of lumbar or sacral nerves. Diagnosis of lumbar radiculopathy can be done by combining both physical examinations that begins by observing patient’s gait and correlating imaging studies that reveals a spinal stenosis. The ability of diagnosing lumbar radiculopathy has improved because of the sophisticated imaging techniques. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic tool that is superior to computed tomography (CT) in visualizing soft tissues, like spinal cord and nerve roots. The supplemental information regarding to nerve function and muscle injury can be provided by using electrodiagnostic testing. Usually medication is the primary treatment option as monotherapy or by combining with other medications. Other forms of treatment include interventional therapies that are minimally invasive procedures designed to treat lumbar radiculopathy.

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