Is lumbar radiculopathy a permanent illness?

Consult your doctor: I suggest that you see your physician about the specifics of your condition.

Usually not as most: Radiculopathies due to a disc herniation get better without surgery and if surgery is needed, 90-95% do well if a non smoker, if due to spinal stenosis, and left untreated, 15% get better and 15% get worse. While the rest stay the same although there are options for both nonop and operative care based on the degree of symptoms with most doing well with treatment, unless, again one is a smoker.

Varies: The vast majority of cases of radiculopathy are not permanent, however there are times when a nerve can be damaged to the extent that it will permanently cause some degree of symptoms whether it be pain, numbness, or weakness.