Lumbar Nerve Root Iritation
In the lumbar spine the nerves exit via the vertebral foramen. There are a number of different causes of nerve root irritation, with the disc injury discussed separately one of them.
Other causes of irritation include:
- Spondylolisthesis – where one vertebra moves or ‘slips’ relative to the one above
- Spondylosis – which is a fancy way of saying wear and tear
- Bony Spurring – where small extra bits of bone grow so as to interfere withthe exiting nerve root
Some of the above, such as the spondylolisthesis and the spondylosis, physiotherapy is going to be able to positively influence. The bony spurring, depending on the degree and exact position of the spurring may be less likely to benefit.
Self Management
- The more typical form of spondylolisthesis may be helped by sitting and bending forward, though if your disc is also playing a part this can be a hard one to manuevre without guidance.
- Undertake some good core exercises
- Minimise the aggravating activities, often prolonged standing
Physiotherapy Management
- Assess and diagnose exactly what influences are contributing to your pain
- Guide you through both short-term and longer-term solutions to the pain
- Establish a good core stability pattern
- Establish a good home programme of exercises to maintain your pain-free status.