Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica)
Treatment in Scottsdale, Peoria, Phoenix & Mesa, Arizona
Overview
Lumbar radiculopathy—often called sciatica—happens when a nerve in the lower back becomes irritated or compressed. This can cause sharp, burning, or electric-like pain that travels from the low back into the hip, buttock, and down the leg, sometimes with numbness, tingling, or weakness.
At Mountain View Headache & Spine Institute, we provide experienced, nonsurgical care for patients across Scottsdale, Peoria, Phoenix, and Mesa, Arizona, focusing on precise diagnosis and targeted relief.
What Is Lumbar Radiculopathy?
Lumbar radiculopathy occurs when one of the nerve roots exiting the lumbar spine is pinched or inflamed. Common causes include:
- Herniated or bulging disc
- Arthritis/bone spurs (foraminal stenosis)
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis (vertebra slippage)
- Postural or overuse strain
Typical Symptoms
- Low back pain with radiation into the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot
- Numbness or tingling following a leg/foot pattern
- Weakness (trouble pushing off, lifting the foot, or prolonged standing)
- Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, coughing, or prolonged driving
Why Timely Treatment Matters
Without appropriate care, ongoing nerve irritation can lead to persistent pain, reduced mobility, sleep disruption, and decreased performance at work or home. Early, targeted treatment aims to calm inflammation, protect nerve health, and restore function, helping prevent long-term problems.
How We Personalize Care
1) Precise Diagnosis
- Detailed history and focused neurologic exam
- Review of imaging (X-ray/MRI/CT when indicated)
- When helpful, diagnostic selective nerve root blocks to confirm the pain generator
2) Medication Management
- Short courses of anti-inflammatory and/or neuropathic-pain medications when appropriate
- Thoughtful coordination with your current prescriptions
3) Image-Guided Injections
- Lumbar epidural steroid injections (interlaminar, transforaminal, or caudal) to reduce inflammation around the affected nerve root
- Selective nerve root blocks for targeted relief and diagnostic clarity
- Facet or sacroiliac joint injections when these joints contribute to pain
All procedures are performed with fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance for accuracy.
4) Minimally Invasive, Nonsurgical Options
- Office-based procedures designed to calm nerve irritation and improve function
- Posture, ergonomics, and home-based mobility guidance to support recovery
(We do not provide traditional physical therapy onsite.)
5) Ongoing Care & Prevention
- Periodic reassessment to fine-tune your plan
- Education on activity pacing, core-safe movement, and strategies to manage flare-ups
What to Expect
- Consultation: We review symptoms, exam findings, and any prior imaging.
- Plan Design: You’ll receive a clear, step-by-step plan with expected timelines.
- Treatment: Most procedures are in-clinic and typically take under an hour.
- Follow-Up: We track pain relief, function, and nerve recovery—and adjust as you improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does recovery take?
Many patients improve over weeks to a few months. Injections can help calm nerve inflammation while the body heals.
Will I need surgery?
Most people do not require surgery. If surgical input is ever appropriate, we’ll coordinate a referral and share our diagnostic findings.
Are injections safe?
Complications are uncommon. Potential risks include temporary soreness, headache, bleeding, infection, or—in rare cases—nerve irritation. Image guidance and established safety protocols help reduce risk.
When is urgent evaluation needed?
Seek prompt care for rapidly worsening weakness, new difficulty walking, or new bowel/bladder changes or saddle numbness.
Schedule a Consultation
If low back and leg pain are limiting your day, our team is ready to help. Contact Mountain View Headache & Spine Institute in Scottsdale, Peoria, Phoenix, or Mesa, Arizona to discuss a personalized, nonsurgical plan for lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica).