Lumbar Radicular Pain (Sciatica): Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment Options
Lumbar Radicular Pain (Sciatica): Why It Hurts — and What You Can Do About It
Have you been dealing with a deep, shooting pain that starts in your lower back and travels down your leg? Maybe it’s a burning or tingling sensation, or perhaps your leg feels weak or numb. This kind of pain known as lumbar radicular pain, or sciatica can be incredibly disruptive. Whether it’s stopping you from walking comfortably, sleeping well, or enjoying your daily life, the frustration of not knowing what to do next can add to the stress.
At York Pain Group, we understand how this pain affects more than just your body and we’re here to help you find a path forward.
What Is Lumbar Radicular Pain?
Lumbar radicular pain is caused by irritation or compression of a nerve in the lower back (lumbar spine). When something puts pressure on it like a disc bulge, arthritis, or inflammation, it can result in pain down the path of the nerve, usually in the buttock, thigh, calf or foot.
Despite often being called “sciatica,” this type of pain isn’t a diagnosis on its own it’s a symptom of something happening in the spine.
What Does It Feel Like?
People experience lumbar radicular pain in different ways, but common symptoms include:
Sharp, shooting, or electric-like pain down one leg
Burning or tingling sensations in the back, buttock, or leg
Numbness or a feeling of heaviness in the leg or foot
These symptoms can range from mildly uncomfortable to severely limiting. Some people can’t walk far without pain, while others find it difficult to get comfortable in any position.
Why Is It Happening to Me?
Lumbar radicular pain is more common from middle age onwards, often as part of natural wear and tear in the spine. Over time, discs between the bones in your back can dry out or bulge. Joints can become arthritic. These changes don’t always cause problems, but when they irritate nearby nerves, that’s when pain begins.
In some cases, the issue may follow an injury or surgery. But for many people, it seems to come on gradually, without a clear cause. Whatever the reason, what matters most is finding the right way to manage it.
What Treatments Can Help?
If you've tried rest, painkillers, or exercises but your symptoms are still getting in the way, it might be time for a more targeted approach. At York Pain Group, we offer specialist assessment and treatment tailored to your individual condition. These may include:
Precise spinal injections to reduce inflammation and nerve pressure
Nerve root blocks for diagnostic clarity and short-term pain relief
Advanced medication strategies to manage nerve pain safely and effectively
Referral to a surgeon in select cases
Our consultant-led team will guide you through your options, helping you choose the right path toward relief and recovery.
You Don't Have to Live With It
Chronic nerve pain can take a toll on your energy, your mood, and your independence, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. With expert support and the right treatment plan, it is possible to reduce or even resolve lumbar radicular pain.
If you're living with persistent pain and want expert help without the wait, book a private consultation with York Pain Group today.
