Overview
Lumbosacral radicular syndrome (LRS) involves pain and/or neurological deficits radiating from the lumbosacral spine into the leg, often due to nerve root compression 1. The condition can impact work participation and requires a multidisciplinary approach for management 1.Diagnosis
Assessment of prognostic factors is advised 1.Management
For enhancing work participation, a stepped-care approach is recommended, starting with advice to stay active 1.
Facilitation of staying active includes informing the worker, reducing workload, developing an action plan, and a time-contingent increase of work participation for defined hours and tasks 1.
If work participation has not improved within 6 weeks, additional treatments should be considered 1.
Prevention strategies include physical exercises and education 1.
Application of evidence-based practical guidelines for "lifting" and "whole body vibration" is advised for prevention 1.Key Recommendations
An inventory of risk factors should be considered 1. (Evidence: Moderate)
An assessment of prognostic factors is advised 1. (Evidence: Moderate)
Physical exercises and education are advised for prevention 1. (Evidence: Moderate)
The stepped-care approach to enhance work participation starts with the advice to stay active 1. (Evidence: Moderate)References
1 Luites JWH, Kuijer PPFM, Hulshof CTJ, Kok R, Langendam MW, Oosterhuis T et al.. The Dutch Multidisciplinary Occupational Health Guideline to Enhance Work Participation Among Low Back Pain and Lumbosacral Radicular Syndrome Patients. Journal of occupational rehabilitation 2022. link