Quick Summary
Leg pain with numbness, altered sensation or weakness may involve a nerve root in the lower back. We assess the pattern and nerve function, then guide rehabilitation or medical referral according to what the examination shows.
Understanding Lumbar Radiculopathy
Lumbar radiculopathy means a spinal nerve root is not functioning normally. It may cause sensory change, weakness or altered reflexes and can occur with radiating pain. Sciatica is a common description of a pain pattern; radiculopathy places particular importance on neurological findings.
How we assess your symptoms
We assess the distribution of symptoms, relevant muscle power, sensation and reflexes where appropriate. We document change over time and discuss medical review when findings are progressive or significant. New foot drop or rapidly worsening weakness needs urgent assessment.
Image: K. D. Schroeder; vectorization by Sumita Roy Dutta · CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped and annotated; this image is also licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Do You Experience These Symptoms?
- Pain or altered sensation along part of the thigh, leg or foot.
- Weakness in a particular movement, such as lifting the foot.
- Changes in sensation or reflexes found during assessment.
An assessment helps guide your next step, based on your symptoms, health and goals.
What may contribute?
A herniated disc or narrowing around a nerve root may contribute. The affected nerve and degree of impairment vary. Symptoms elsewhere, including hip or peripheral nerve problems, can overlap, so examination is important before choosing treatment.
A treatment plan built around you
Hands-On Manual Therapy
Hands-on treatment may help associated back or muscle discomfort when suitable. It does not replace neurological monitoring and is not used to claim that a compressed nerve has been mechanically freed.
Is Shockwave Suitable?
Shockwave is not routinely recommended for lumbar radiculopathy and cannot substitute for assessment of nerve weakness. Rehabilitation is guided by neurological findings, with medical or spinal-service referral where indicated.
Targeted Exercise Programme
Rehabilitation is adapted to nerve irritability and strength findings. It may include suitable movement, functional strengthening and graded walking. Exercises should be reviewed if numbness, weakness or leg symptoms worsen; forceful nerve stretching is avoided.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
While most symptoms are not serious, urgent medical attention is required if you experience any of the following:
- Go to A&E immediately for new numbness around your genitals or bottom, difficulty starting or controlling urine, loss of bowel control, or severe or worsening weakness in both legs. These can signal cauda equina compression. Call 999 if you need an ambulance.
- Seek urgent medical advice for rapidly worsening leg weakness, fever or feeling unwell with back pain, or significant pain after an injury. Contact your GP about unexplained weight loss, a cancer history or persistent night pain.
Your questions answered
How is this different from ordinary back pain?
The key issue is impaired nerve function, such as weakness or sensory change. These findings can influence the urgency of review and whether specialist assessment or imaging is needed.
Can I wait for massage if my foot is getting weaker?
No. New foot drop or increasing weakness warrants urgent medical assessment. Massage may address separate muscle discomfort only after the appropriate nerve assessment and care plan.
Which appointment should I book?
Choose a Physiotherapy Initial Assessment for new, persistent or uncertain symptoms. We will assess what is limiting you, explain the options and agree the next steps. If you already have a diagnosis, bring any relevant scan report or specialist advice.
Visit J&J Therapy on the ground floor of CI Tower, New Malden. Book an assessment or call our reception team on 07935 869938 if you are unsure which service to choose.
Related conditions
Sciatica · Lumbar spinal stenosis
Sources and further reading
This page is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Information updated 15 October 2026. General information to support informed choices; it is not a diagnosis or a personalised treatment plan. Suitability and any need for referral are assessed individually. Seek urgent medical help for the warning signs listed above.