How to prepare for a video visit about Lumbar Radiculopathy - Triage

Audience: adult

Lumbar radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the lower back is compressed or irritated, causing pain, numbness, or weakness that can travel down the leg. Preparing for a video visit about this condition helps you get the most from your appointment. During the visit, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and may guide you through simple movements to understand your condition better. Telemedicine can help decide if you need further tests or in-person care. However, if you experience severe symptoms like loss of bladder or bowel control, sudden weakness, or intense pain, seek emergency care immediately. Preparing notes about your symptoms, medications, and any recent injuries will make your video visit more effective. After the visit, follow your provider's advice, which may include rest, exercises, or referrals for imaging tests. This guide helps you understand what to expect and how to prepare for your telemedicine visit about lumbar radiculopathy.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control — seek emergency care immediately.
• Severe leg weakness or inability to move the leg — seek emergency care immediately.
• Intense, worsening pain that limits your ability to move or stand — seek emergency care immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Guided physical movements to evaluate pain and mobility.
• Advice on symptom management and when to seek in-person care.
• Follow-up consultations to monitor progress.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing detailed physical neurological exams.
• Ordering or performing imaging tests (e.g., MRI, CT scans).
• Administering injections or physical treatments.
• Diagnosing complex cases requiring hands-on evaluation.

What is Lumbar Radiculopathy?

Lumbar radiculopathy happens when nerves in your lower back get pinched or irritated. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your lower back, buttocks, or legs. It often results from a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or injury. Understanding your symptoms helps your healthcare provider assess your condition during the video visit.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit lets your healthcare provider ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may ask you to show certain movements or areas of pain on camera. This helps them decide if you need further tests, medications, or in-person care. Telemedicine is useful for initial assessment and follow-up but has limits for detailed physical exams.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, find a quiet, well-lit space with a good internet connection. Have a list of your symptoms, when they started, and any treatments you've tried. Also, prepare a list of medications and any recent injuries. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily during the exam. Having a family member nearby can help if needed.

What to Expect During the Visit

Your provider will ask about your pain, numbness, or weakness and how these affect your daily activities. They may guide you through simple movements to check your range of motion and pain response. Based on this, they will discuss possible next steps, like imaging tests or referrals to specialists.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If you experience sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, severe leg weakness, or worsening pain that limits movement, seek emergency medical care immediately. These symptoms may indicate serious nerve damage requiring urgent attention.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit room with a stable internet connection.
• Prepare a list of your symptoms, including when they started and their severity.
• List any medications or treatments you are currently using.
• Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement.
• Have a family member or friend nearby if you may need assistance.
• Ensure your device camera and microphone work properly before the visit.
• Prepare to describe any recent injuries or activities that may have affected your back.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any advice or treatment plans given by your healthcare provider.
• Schedule any recommended imaging tests or specialist appointments.
• Perform any prescribed exercises or physical therapy as instructed.
• Monitor your symptoms and report any worsening or new red flags immediately.
• Keep a symptom diary to track progress and share during follow-up visits.

FAQs

What questions should I be ready to answer during my video visit?

Be prepared to discuss when your symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, any numbness or weakness, and how your daily activities are affected. Also, share any treatments or medications you have tried.

Can my healthcare provider diagnose lumbar radiculopathy through a video visit?

Telemedicine can help your provider assess symptoms and decide if further tests or in-person exams are needed. A definitive diagnosis often requires physical exams and imaging tests that may need to be done in person.

What should I do if my symptoms get worse after the video visit?

If you experience new or worsening symptoms, especially red flags like loss of bladder or bowel control, severe weakness, or intense pain, seek emergency medical care immediately. Otherwise, contact your healthcare provider for advice.

Will I need imaging tests during or after the video visit?

Your provider may recommend imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans to better understand your condition. These tests are usually done in person at a medical facility after your video visit.

Sources

1. Lumbar Radiculopathy — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Low Back Pain Fact Sheet — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Lumbar Radiculopathy — Mayo Clinic.
4. Radiculopathy — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This information is for education and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Telemedicine visits cannot replace in-person examinations when needed. If you have urgent or severe symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.