McKenzie exercises for lumbar radiculopathy

Lumbar radiculopathy means irritation or compression of a nerve root in the lower spine. It may cause back pain with pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness travelling into the buttock or leg. A McKenzie assessment observes how symptoms respond to repeated movements and sustained positions. A useful response may include pain moving out of the leg and becoming more central, while symptoms spreading farther down the limb or increasing neurological symptoms are warning signals to stop and reassess. Causes can include a Herniated Disc, Lumbar Spondylosis, Spinal Stenosis, Spondylolisthesis, or a problem that resembles nerve pain such as Piriformis Syndrome.

A physiotherapist can identify a suitable movement direction, explain posture and repetitions, and check your response between visits. Work within the prescribed range rather than copying an online routine. Change position regularly, avoid prolonged bed rest, and use comfortable walking if it does not worsen leg symptoms. Record whether pain centralises, spreads, or changes in strength and sensation. Stop an exercise that causes a clear increase in leg pain, numbness, or weakness and contact the treating clinician for advice. Do not use exercises as a substitute for assessment when symptoms are new, severe, or progressive.

Get urgent medical help for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the saddle area, rapidly worsening leg weakness, or severe symptoms in both legs. Seek prompt assessment for fever, major trauma, unexplained weight loss, or pain that is severe at rest. Arrange review if numbness, weakness, or walking difficulty is worsening, even when back pain seems manageable. Buttock Pain and Hip Pain can have several causes and should be interpreted with the neurological examination.

Ask which movement response is acceptable, what symptom change means you should stop, how often to practise, and how progress will be checked. Ask whether your pattern suggests a disc, narrowing, or another cause and when imaging or specialist review would be considered.