Pseudoradicular symptoms | Symptoms of a lumbar spine syndrome

Pseudoradicular symptoms

In contrast to radicular pain, the radiating character of pseudoradicular pain is limited to the thigh at most. A further main differentiation criterion is that pseudoradicular pain is not caused by a nerve root cell lesion, but is merely due to the irritation of the nervous structures. Thus, the nerve does not have to be damaged, but can temporarily trigger pain due to thermal, mechanical or electrical stimulation.

Pseudoradicular pain is therefore less of a pure nerve pain. The pain is triggered by irritation of the nerve and the resulting increased pain transmission and processing in the CNS. Compared to “neuropathic” and radicular pain, this is referred to as “nociceptive” pain, since the pain receptors, so-called “nociceptors” are increasingly excited.

The reason for pseudoradicular pain is often unclear, i.e. “idiopathic”. However, a possible cause in a lumbar spine syndrome with pseudoradicular pain may be irritation of the facet joint (intervertebral joints) or other joints in the spinal column or hip area. Since the pain character of the two types of pain is very similar except for the way it radiates, “pseudoradicular” pain can also be interpreted as “faking” a radicular pain.

However, it is also important to note the difference that pseudoradicular pain does not lead to motor failure, but only to pain and possibly skin sensation disorders. The prognosis of pseudoradicular pain is better, since the pain can subside as soon as the pain-causing stimulus ceases.