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Lumbosacral Radiculopathy - Coggle Diagram
Lumbosacral Radiculopathy
Diagnosis
Lab work for metabolic causes if needed (e.g., diabetes, B12 deficiency)
EMG / Nerve conduction study
MRI lumbar spine (assess disc, stenosis, arthropathy)
History and physical exam
Management
Interventional
Epidural steroid injections
Nerve blocks
Surgical
Decompression or discectomy (if severe or progressive deficits)
Conservative
NSAIDs or neuropathic pain agents
Physical therapy / exercise
Activity Modification
Pathophysiology
Ischemia of nerve root
Demyelination or axonal injury → neuropathic pain
Nerve root compression → inflammation
Clinical Features
Pain
Radiates to thigh, leg, foot (dermatomal pattern)
Burning, sharp, or pins-and-needles sensation
Lower back pain
Sensory deficits-Numbness or tingling in affected dermatome
Motor deficits-Weakness in myotomal distribution (e.g., foot drop for L5)
Reflex changes-Decreased patellar or Achilles reflex depending on root involved
Gait disturbance or difficulty with activities
Risk Factors
Diabetes mellitus
Sedentary lifestyle or heavy lifting
Obesity
Previous spine surgery
Age > 50
Etiology
Herniated disc
Spinal stenosis
Facet joint arthropathy
Trauma
Degenerative disc disease
Tumor or infection