Red flags & when to go in person for Lumbar Radiculopathy - Triage

Audience: pediatric

Lumbar radiculopathy happens when a nerve in the lower back is irritated or compressed, often causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. In children, this condition is less common but can still occur due to injury or other causes. Telemedicine can help you understand symptoms and decide if your child needs to see a doctor in person. However, some signs mean your child should get urgent medical care. These include sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe pain that does not improve. This guide helps families recognize these red flags, explains what telemedicine can and cannot do, and offers advice on preparing for a virtual visit. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool but not a replacement for hands-on medical evaluation when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden leg weakness or numbness — seek emergency care immediately
• Loss of bladder or bowel control — urgent in-person evaluation needed
• Severe back pain with fever — get prompt medical attention

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking
• Guidance on symptom management and activity
• Determining urgency of in-person evaluation
• Providing general education about lumbar radiculopathy

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical neurological examination
• Imaging or diagnostic testing
• Emergency interventions
• Treatment requiring hands-on care

What is Lumbar Radiculopathy in Children?

Lumbar radiculopathy occurs when nerves in the lower back get pinched or irritated. This can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that may spread down one or both legs. In children, it might happen after an injury or due to other spine problems. It is important to watch symptoms carefully and get help if they worsen.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms often include lower back pain, leg pain, numbness, or muscle weakness. Your child may have trouble walking or standing for long. Sometimes, symptoms come on slowly and sometimes suddenly. Not all back pain means radiculopathy, but persistent or worsening symptoms should be checked by a healthcare provider.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

Certain signs mean your child needs urgent medical attention:

If you notice any of these, go to an emergency room or see a healthcare provider right away.

What Telemedicine Can Do for Lumbar Radiculopathy

Telemedicine allows healthcare providers to:

It is a convenient way to get initial guidance without leaving home.

What Telemedicine Cannot Do

Telemedicine cannot:

If your child’s symptoms are severe or worsening, an in-person visit is necessary.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from your virtual visit:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your child’s symptoms and when they began
• Note any recent injuries or illnesses
• Prepare a list of current medications
• Observe and be ready to describe your child’s movement and bladder/bowel control
• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the visit
• Have a caregiver available to assist if needed

After your tele-visit

• Follow provider’s advice on managing symptoms at home
• Schedule in-person evaluation if recommended
• Monitor for any worsening or new symptoms
• Keep a symptom diary to share at follow-up visits
• Seek emergency care if red flags develop

FAQs

Can a child’s lumbar radiculopathy improve without surgery?

Yes, many children improve with rest, physical therapy, and pain management without needing surgery. However, it is important to follow up with a healthcare provider to monitor progress.

When should I be worried about my child’s back pain?

Be concerned if your child has sudden weakness, numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, severe pain that does not improve, or fever with back pain. These require prompt medical evaluation.

Is telemedicine safe for evaluating my child’s back pain?

Telemedicine is a useful first step to discuss symptoms and get advice. It is safe for initial evaluation but cannot replace in-person exams when needed.

What can I do at home to help my child’s symptoms?

Encourage rest, avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity, apply heat or cold packs as advised, and follow any exercises recommended by your healthcare provider.

Sources

1. Lumbar Radiculopathy — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Back Pain in Children and Adolescents — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Low Back Pain Fact Sheet — World Health Organization.
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or red flags, seek immediate medical attention.