San Antonio, Texas 78253
Physical Therapy for Lumbar Pain and Radiculopathy
Lower back pain can make everyday activities like walking, sitting, bending, lifting, or even getting comfortable at night difficult. When that pain is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or symptoms that travel into the hips or legs, lumbar radiculopathy may be the cause. At Texas Alliance Physical Therapy, we evaluate both lumbar pain and lumbar radiculopathy to create a treatment plan that helps reduce pain, improve mobility, and get you moving comfortably again.
Understanding Lumbar Pain and Radiculopathy
Lumbar pain refers to pain in the lower back and can develop for many different reasons,
including muscle strain, joint dysfunction, arthritis, or disc problems.
Lumbar radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in your lower back becomes irritated or compressed,
causing symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that may travel into the hips, buttocks, or legs.
The following factors may result in the development of lumbar pain and radiculopathy:
- Herniated discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Spinal arthritis
- Muscular strains and ligament injuries
- Poor posture and body mechanics
- Excessive bending and lifting
- Injury during participation in sports activities
- Automobile accidents
- Natural aging process
Recognizing the Signs of Lumbar Pain or Lumbar Radiculopathy
When to Consult a Physical Therapist
Some people notice a constant ache in their lower back, while others deal with sharp pain, tingling, or numbness that travels down the leg.
The symptoms often depend on what's causing the problem and how much the affected nerve is involved.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Lower back pain
- Pain that radiates into the buttocks, hips, or legs
- Tingling or numbness in the legs or feet
- Burning or shooting pain down one leg
- Muscle weakness in the lower extremities
- Difficulty standing or walking for long periods
- Increased pain when sitting
- Reduced flexibility and mobility
- Pain during bending, lifting, or twisting
- Changes in balance or coordination
If these symptoms are interfering with your work, exercise routine, or daily activities,
a physical therapy evaluation can help determine the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.
Physical Therapy for Lumbar Pain and Radiculopathy
Physical Therapy San Antonio
Every treatment plan starts with a thorough evaluation. Once we understand what's contributing to your pain and movement limitations, we'll build a program that's designed around your needs and goals.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on treatment may help reduce muscle tension, improve joint movement, and make everyday activities more comfortable.
Therapeutic Exercise
Your therapist will guide you through exercises that help improve strength, flexibility, and stability to better support your lower back.
Posture and Movement Education
Small changes in posture and the way you move can reduce strain on your lower back and help prevent symptoms from returning.
Functional Dry Needling
Functional Dry Needling may be used to address muscular trigger points that contribute to lower back pain, muscle tightness, and movement restrictions.
Orthopedic Joint Mobilization and Manipulation
These techniques can improve mobility within the lumbar spine, reduce stiffness, and help restore normal spinal function.
Mechanical Traction
Mechanical traction may help relieve pressure on irritated spinal nerves by gently creating space between the vertebrae. This can help reduce radiating symptoms associated with lumbar radiculopathy.
WINBACK Therapy
WINBACK Therapy uses radiofrequency technology to improve circulation, support tissue healing, and reduce pain and muscle tension in the lower back.
Kinesiology Taping
Kinesiology Taping may provide support to the lower back while encouraging proper movement patterns during recovery.
Moving with Less Pain
Living with lumbar pain or radiating nerve symptoms can affect nearly every part of your day.
As treatment progresses, many people notice less pain, better movement, and greater confidence doing everyday activities.
As your back starts feeling better, many of the activities that once felt difficult become easier again.
We'll also work with you on simple techniques and exercises you can continue using at home to help support your recovery.
Find Relief from Lumbar Pain and Radiculopathy
Persistent lower back pain and radiating nerve symptoms can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Physical therapy can help identify the source of your symptoms, reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore your confidence in your ability to move. Schedule an evaluation with Texas Alliance Physical Therapy today and take the first step toward lasting relief from lumbar pain and radiculopathy.
Conditions We Treat
Upper Body Pain
Lower Body Pain
Texas Alliance Physical Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions About
Lumbar Pain and Radiculopathy
Not all lower back pain stays in the lower back. If a nerve becomes irritated, you may also feel pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that travels into your hip, buttock, or leg. Physical therapists refer to this as lumbar radiculopathy.
Lumbar radiculopathy results from a nerve root being irritated or compressed in the lower back. Some of the conditions that lead to irritation or compression include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and arthritis, among others.
It is not a disability in itself, but if the problem is severe, it can make it difficult for someone to perform certain tasks at work and in their day-to-day activities.
In some cases, lumbar radiculopathy can be cured with non-surgical treatments, such as exercises and physical therapy. There are other times when the cause cannot be cured entirely, but can be managed.
Everyone recovers at a different pace. Some people begin feeling better within a few weeks, while others need more time depending on what's causing their symptoms and how long they've been present.
Have more questions? Contact Us.