- Is the mechanical compression of a spinal nerve root as it exits the spinal canal
- It clinically presents as progression from unilateral paraesthesia in a dermatomal distribution in mild cases. When more severe there is associated motor weakness and hyporeflexia in the supplied myotome.
- Pain radiating from the buttock down the back of the leg with straight leg raising suggests radiculopathy. If pain is only localised to the lumbar region this is called lumbago and is a non-specific finding.
- The cause is usually a MSK degenerative condition e.g. disc prolapse, osteoarthritis
- Important causes are infective and neoplastic processes
- CT and/or MRI usually confirms the site of the lesion