What Is Lumbar Radiculopathy?

Lumbar radiculopathy refers to irritation or compression of a nerve root in the lower spine. These nerves travel from the lumbar spine down into the hips, legs, and feet, so irritation can create symptoms that extend beyond the lower back itself.

The underlying cause may involve disc changes, joint irritation, or narrowing of the spaces where nerves exit the spine. Diagnosis of the underlying condition should be made by a licensed medical professional.

Individuals May Experience:

• Pain that begins in the lower back and travels into the hip or leg

• Tingling or numbness in the leg or foot

• Weakness in certain muscles of the leg

• Discomfort when sitting for long periods

• Increased pain with bending, lifting, or twisting

• Sensations such as burning, sharp pain, or electric-like discomfort along the leg

What Contributes to Lumbar Radiculopathy?

Several factors may contribute to irritation of lumbar nerves, including:

• Disc changes in the lower spine

• Herniated or bulging discs

• Facet joint irritation

• Reduced mobility in the lumbar or thoracic spine

• Muscle imbalances in the core and hips

• Prolonged sitting posture

• Repetitive bending or lifting activities

Often, nerve irritation develops when mechanical stress accumulates in the spine over time.

How Manual Therapy May Help

Osteopathic Manual Therapy

Osteopathic treatment may involve evaluating how the lumbar spine, pelvis, and surrounding tissues move together. Restrictions in nearby joints or fascial tissues can sometimes increase mechanical stress around nerve pathways.

Treatment may include:

• Gentle mobilization of the lumbar spine

• Addressing sacroiliac joint mobility

• Improving thoracic spine movement to reduce lumbar strain

• Reducing fascial tension along the lower back and pelvis

• Assessing hip mobility and pelvic alignment

• Supporting coordinated movement through the spine and lower body

These approaches focus on improving mobility around the affected region and supporting more balanced movement of the spine.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy often focuses on restoring stability and control around the spine while reducing excessive load on irritated structures.

Rehabilitation may involve:

• Core stabilization exercises

• Nerve mobility (nerve gliding) techniques

• Strengthening of the hips and gluteal muscles

• Movement retraining for bending and lifting

• Postural education for sitting and desk work

• Gradual return to physical activity

These exercises help support the spine during movement and can improve tolerance to daily activities.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy may help address muscular tension that develops in response to spinal irritation or protective guarding.

Treatment may include:

• Reducing tightness in the lower back muscles

• Addressing tension in the glutes and hip muscles

• Improving circulation in surrounding tissues

• Supporting relaxation of protective muscle guarding

• Reducing compensatory tension patterns

Massage therapy can help relieve muscular tension surrounding the irritated region of the spine.

Book an Assessment

If pain, tingling, or numbness is traveling from your lower back into your leg, our team can assess how your spine and surrounding joints are moving and identify factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.