Abstract
Back pain is a top primary and urgent care complaint; radicular pain can be caused
by herniation of the nucleus pulposus (intervertebral disc), spinal stenosis, or degenerative
changes to the vertebrae. The focus of this clinical review will be the clinical approach
and treatment of lumbar radicular pain, cervical radicular pain, and spinal stenosis.
Usually localized through neurological history, exam, and imaging, specific signs
and symptoms for lumbar radicular, spinal stenosis, and cervical radicular pain can
help determine etiology. Once radicular back pain has been diagnosed, a multitude
of treatment options are available from rest and physical therapy to medications,
epidurals, and surgery. The most common and accepted are reviewed. With accurate diagnosis,
safe and effective pain management can be employed to shorten radicular episodes and
manage recurrent or chronic radicular syndromes. Using a step-wise approach from diagnosis
to conservative therapy to potential surgery, radicular pain syndromes can improve
or resolve, and patients may achieve a better functional status and quality of life.
Keywords
Radicular Pain - sciatica - spinal stenosis - lumbar radiculitis
