What Is the Difference Between Sciatica and Lumbar Radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy describes symptoms produced by the pinching of a nerve root in the spinal column. Sciatica is one of the most common types of radiculopathy and refers to pain that originates in your lower back and travels through your buttocks and down the sciatic nerve – the largest single nerve in the body.

What is the best treatment for lumbar radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy Treatment Options

Medication, such as pain relievers, muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory drugs, to reduce pain and inflammation. Steroid injections or oral steroids to relieve swelling and inflammation around the nerve root. Activity modification to prevent worsening of the pain.

Is sciatica and lumbar the same?

Pain that radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg is the hallmark of sciatica. You might feel the discomfort almost anywhere along the nerve pathway, but it's especially likely to follow a path from your low back to your buttock and the back of your thigh and calf.