2.1.1
Lumbar radicular pain, also known as sciatica, refers to pain that begins in the lower back and radiates down the leg. It is commonly caused by a herniated (or prolapsed) lumbar intervertebral disc. The herniation is a result of a protrusion of the nucleus pulposus through a tear in the surrounding annulus fibrosus. The annulus fibrosus may rupture completely, resulting in an extruded disc, or may remain intact but stretched, resulting in a contained disc prolapse. This may then compress one or more nerve roots, causing pain, numbness or weakness in the leg.