Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Lumbar Ridiculopathy
What is lumbar ridiculopathy?
Lumbar radiculopathy happens when a nerve in the lower back becomes compressed or irritated. This can lead to pain, muscle weakness, and neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or pins and needles, often radiating into the buttocks, legs, or feet.
What causes lumbar ridiculopathy?
Lumbar radiculopathy is caused by structural changes in the lumbar spine that place pressure on a nerve, leading to symptoms. Common causes of this compression include:
- Herniated disc – when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc protrudes through its outer layer and presses on a nerve.
- Degenerative disc disease – gradual wear and tear of spinal discs reducing their height and causing nerve impingement.
- Spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses the nerves.
- Spondylolisthesis – when one vertebra slips forward over another, pinching a nerve.
- Bone spurs (osteophytes) – extra bone growth due to arthritis that irritates nearby nerves.
- Trauma or injury – fractures or dislocations in the lumbar spine that lead to nerve compression.
What are the symptoms of lumbar ridiculopathy?
Symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy can extend into the legs because the nerves in the lumbar spine supply sensation and muscle control to the lower limbs. Common symptoms include:
- Pain – sharp, burning, or shooting pain radiating from the lower back into the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot.
- Numbness – loss of sensation in specific areas of the leg or foot.
- Tingling or “pins and needles” – abnormal sensations along the path of the affected nerve.
- Weakness – reduced strength in the leg muscles, making walking or lifting the foot difficult.
- Reflex changes – diminished or absent reflexes in the knee or ankle.
Physiotherapy for lumbar ridiculopathy
Physiotherapy can be highly effective in treating lumbar radiculopathy. At acephysiosports.com, your physiotherapist will assess your lower back, identify the cause of the nerve compression, and create a personalised treatment plan. Treatment may include:
- Manual therapy – gentle mobilisation techniques to improve spinal movement and reduce nerve irritation.
- Postural correction – exercises and advice to improve alignment and reduce strain on the lower back.
- Targeted exercises – stretching and strengthening to support the spine and improve flexibility.
- Nerve gliding techniques – specific movements to help the nerve move freely and reduce symptoms.
- Pain relief modalities – such as heat, ice, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation.
- Education – guidance on activity modification, ergonomics, and prevention strategies.
Can lumbar ridiculopathy cause any long-term effects?
Physiotherapy can often resolve symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy, allowing for a full recovery in most cases. If physiotherapy alone is not effective, targeted injections may be considered to help reduce inflammation and pain. Should injections also prove unsuccessful, surgery may be required to address the underlying cause of the nerve compression. Physiotherapy remains essential after surgery to aid rehabilitation, restore mobility, strengthen supporting muscles, and help prevent future recurrence.
To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosports.com.
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Sat: 8am - 4pm
Sun: On Appointment Basis
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