Prevalence And Observed Patterns Of Radiculopathy In Low Back Pain

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent condition that affects a significant portion of the population, often leading to disability and decreased quality of life. Among the various etiologies of LBP, radiculopathy—nerve root compression or irritation—emerges as a notable cause. This study aims to assess the prevalence of radiculopathy in patients presenting with low back pain and to delineate the common patterns observed in clinical practice.

Methods: A observational study was conducted involving 500 patients who presented with low back pain to outpatient clinics over a one-year period. Patients were evaluated using a combination of clinical assessments, imaging studies (MRI and CT scans), and electrodiagnostic tests to confirm the presence of radiculopathy. Data on demographics, symptomatology, and clinical findings were collected and analyzed.

Results: Among the 200 patients, 140 (36%) were diagnosed with radiculopathy. The most commonly affected nerve roots were L5 (45%) and S1 (35%). The typical presentation included radiating leg pain, numbness, and muscle weakness corresponding to the affected nerve root distribution. MRI findings revealed that disc herniation (70%) was the most frequent cause of radiculopathy, followed by spinal stenosis (20%) and spondylolisthesis (10%). The prevalence was higher in males (60%) compared to females (40%), and the average age of patients with radiculopathy was 45 years.

Conclusion: Radiculopathy is a significant contributor to low back pain, affecting over one-third of patients in this study. L5 and S1 nerve roots are most frequently involved, with disc herniation being the predominant cause. Understanding these patterns is crucial for the accurate diagnosis and effective management of radiculopathy in LBP patients.