1. Lumbosacral radicular pain

Laurens Peene, Steven P Cohen, Jan Willem Kallewaard, Andre Wolff, Frank Huygen, Antal van de Gaag, Steegers Monique, Kris Vissers, Chris Gilligan, Jan Van Zundert*, Koen Van Boxem

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal(Systematic) Review article peer-review

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Patients suffering lumbosacral radicular pain report radiating pain in one or more lumbar or sacral dermatomes. In the general population, low back pain with leg pain extending below the knee has an annual prevalence that varies from 9.9% to 25%. METHODS: The literature on the diagnosis and treatment of lumbosacral radicular pain was reviewed and summarized. RESULTS: Although a patient's history, the pain distribution pattern, and clinical examination may yield a presumptive diagnosis of lumbosacral radicular pain, additional clinical tests may be required. Medical imaging studies can demonstrate or exclude specific underlying pathologies and identify nerve root irritation, while selective diagnostic nerve root blocks can be used to confirm the affected level(s). In subacute lumbosacral radicular pain, transforaminal corticosteroid administration provides short-term pain relief and improves mobility. In chronic lumbosacral radicular pain, pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment adjacent to the spinal ganglion (DRG) can provide pain relief for a longer period in well-selected patients. In cases of refractory pain, epidural adhesiolysis and spinal cord stimulation can be considered in experienced centers. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of lumbosacral radicular pain is based on a combination of history, clinical examination, and additional investigations. Epidural steroids can be considered for subacute lumbosacral radicular pain. In chronic lumbosacral radicular pain, PRF adjacent to the DRG is recommended. SCS and epidural adhesiolysis can be considered for cases of refractory pain in specialized centers.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)525-552
Number of pages28
JournalPain Practice
Volume24
Issue number3
Early online dateNov 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2024

Keywords

  • epidural adhesiolysis/epiduroscopy
  • epidural corticosteroids
  • evidence-based medicine
  • lumbosacral radicular pain
  • pulsed radiofrequency treatment
  • spinal cord stimulation

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