Lower back pain is a common symptom frequently reported among most of the population in the United States. While low back pain generally resolves on its own, constant discomfort could signal the presence of a more serious injury or condition. A variety of factors can lead to spinal damage or injury, manifesting as low back pain; however, when the pain and discomfort include tingling sensations, numbness, and even burning sensations along the lower extremities, damage or injury to the sciatic nerve may have occurred.
Over-exercising, lifting, bending, or twisting abruptly into awkward positions, and even driving for extended periods, can strain the sciatic nerve, leading to lower back pain that radiates into the back of the legs as well as other numerous symptoms, known as sciatica.
Table of Contents
Approximately 5 to 10 percent of individuals experience some form of low back pain from sciatic nerve pain. Most commonly seen in people ranging from 18 to 35 years of age, the prevalence of sciatic symptoms varies tremendously from 1.6 percent throughout the general population to 43 percent in a selected working population. Unfortunately, only 30 percent of individuals suffering from sciatica seek medical attention only after experiencing these painful symptoms for a year or more. In a majority of cases, sciatica is caused by a herniated disc involving nerve root compression.
Not all individuals with lower back pain have sciatica. Lower back pain could result from various factors, most frequently seen in sedentary workers who sit behind a desk for an extended period with improper posture while not following ergonomics.
Several causes of sciatica include trauma from an injury, spondylolisthesis, piriformis syndrome, spinal tumors, and obesity. βSciatica can be debilitating at times when the episode is acute. At that time, it is very difficult to carry out day-to-day activities. Some patients are advised bed rest for three to four weeks to improve their condition. Most of the symptoms settle down with non-operative management, which involves extensive rest,β said Dr. Sunil Dachepalli, senior orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon and sports medicine expert at Yashoda Hospitals.
Long-distance drivers are at a higher risk of developing sciatica because of the constant jolts on bumpy roads, which have been known to weaken the spineβs discs. Smooth roads can prevent this, though. The individualβs height can also be a component of the development of sciatica as most discs rupture backward when the person bends forward. Taller people tend to slouch forward more often, and when they bend, their center of gravity moves further away from the spine. The pressure on the spine is multiplied by the distance of the force, resulting in more pressure on the discs of taller people when they bend forward.
Itβs essential to properly diagnose the presence of sciatica and determine the source of the pain and other symptoms. Sciatica caused by a common back complication, such as a spinal misalignment, may require a combination of treatments to relieve an individualβs symptoms as well as treat the underlying cause of sciatica. Dr. N. Somasekhar Reddy, a senior consultant orthopedic surgeon, stated, βIn 80 percent of the cases where people treat their sciatica on time, it is found that these simple methods can help them get better with time.β
Sciatica is characterized by a sharp pain along with numbness in the leg. The affected leg may also feel weak and appear thinner than the other leg. Additionally, many individuals experience a mild tingling, dull ache, or burning sensation that can also be felt on the back of the calf or on the sole of the foot. The pain and discomfort usually worsen when one lies down and can often make getting enough rest difficult. Occasionally, redness and swelling may appear on the back. An episode of back pain that has lasted continuously for more than four weeks could suggest the presence of sciatica.
If youβve been diagnosed with sciatica, several remedies can help ease the pain. Foremost, ice therapy can be used on the affected area of the back to reduce swelling. Participating in regular physical activity and exercise can help strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility to prevent degenerative wear and tear changes associated with age. In addition, avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods by taking several breaks to stand, stretch, and walk around. If you must be on your feet, rest one foot on a small stool or footrest and then switch feet throughout the day. Individuals with sciatica symptoms should also avoid wearing high heels. This type of footwear alters the bodyβs natural posture, adding pressure to the spine, which could aggravate your sciatica. And finally, take pressure off your back by sleeping on your side or on your back with a pillow under your knees.
While these remedies can relieve symptoms of sciatica, their effects may only be temporary, and itβs still crucial to receive immediate medical attention to diagnose any possible underlying conditions or injuries that could have developed your complications and follow with proper treatment. Chiropractic care focuses on realigning the spine through spinal adjustments and manual manipulation to decrease the stress on the spine and strengthen the structures around the vertebra and restore the bodyβs natural health.
Back pain is a common symptom affecting a wide range of individuals. Various factors can cause back complications, but when a personβs lower back pain begins to radiate down into the back of the legs, it could be another issue. Approximately 5 to 10 percent of individuals experience low back pain due to sciatica. Characterized as a group of symptoms rather than a single condition, sciatica can often make an individualβs lifestyle more difficult than a simple low back problem.
When the constant symptoms of low back pain are attributed to sciatica, the radiating pain and discomfort can greatly restrict an individualβs everyday lifestyle, altering their daily activities. After identifying the collection of symptoms associated with sciatica, itβs important for individuals to seek a professional medical diagnosis to determine the source of their symptoms. Once diagnosed, following treatment with a qualified healthcare specialist can help them recover from their symptoms and improve their overall health and wellness.
Sciatica is characterized as a collection of symptoms rather than a single condition. Pain and discomfort, along with tingling sensations, numbness, and burning sensations, are the most common symptoms indicating the presence of sciatica. Understanding the variety of symptoms and causes of sciatica can be important to diagnose it and follow up with treatment properly.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
After being involved in an automobile accident, the sheer force of the impact can cause damage or injury to the body, primarily to the structures surrounding the spine. An auto collision can ultimately affect the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other tissues surrounding the spine, commonly the lumbar region of the spine, causing symptoms such as low back pain. Sciatica is a common set of symptoms after an automobile accident, which may require immediate medical attention to determine its source and follow through with treatment.
Β
Β
Professional Scope of Practice *
The information herein on this entire blog site is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
Blog Information & Scope Discussions
Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how they may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to discuss the subject matter above further, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
We are here to help you and your family.
Blessings
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Graduate with Honors: ICHS: MSN-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Degree Granted. Masters in Family Practice MSN Diploma (Cum Laude)
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, MSN-FNP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card
Β
Stress on the lower back during pregnancy often leads to back (upper, middle, lower), sciatica,… Read More
Can melatonin help many individuals dealing with sleep issues and help them stay asleep longer… Read More
For older individuals looking for a workout that can help improve overall fitness, can kettlebell… Read More
Can choosing the right pillow help many individuals with neck pain get a full night's… Read More
What is the recommended way to choose a mattress for individuals with back pain? … Read More
Can non-surgical treatments help individuals with piriformis syndrome reduce referred sciatica pain and help restore… Read More