What it Effects

• The nerve roots of the spinal region

Who it Effects

• Anybody can potentially experience nerve irritation although the cause of the irritation maybe different

Mechanism of Injury

• Disc prolapse
• Small disc tear in the annulus
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal canal)
• Spondylolisthesis (forward slip of a disc)

Signs and Symptoms

• Back pain
• Unilateral leg pain radiating down to the foot and toes
• Numbness in same distribution of pain
• Paraesthesia (pins and needles) in same distribution of pain
• Reduced straight leg raise due to reproduction of pain
• Muscle weakness (myotome testing)
• Decreased sensation (dermatome testing)
• Change in a reflex e.g. Knee jerk, Achilles and Plantar fascia reflexes

Treatment

• Varies greatly depending on the cause of the irritation. Your GP must be consulted who will most likely arrange special tests

If you have any questions, please use the comment form below or post a thread on the forums.