Lower Back Pain and Sciatica: What You Need to Know

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is pain that starts in the lower back and travels down to one leg. It happens when something presses on the sciatic nerve—a large nerve that goes from your back down to your foot.

Signs You Might Have Sciatica

You may feel:

1. Sharp pain going from your back down to your leg
2. Tingling or burning in your leg
3. Numbness or weakness in your leg or foot
4. Pain that gets worse when sitting or coughing

Why Does Sciatica Happen?

Some common reasons include:

1. Slipped Disc – When a cushion between the bones in your spine moves out of place
2. Spinal Narrowing – When the space around your spine becomes too tight
3. Old Age Changes – When bones or discs wear out over time
4. Injury – A fall or accident
5. Muscle Pressure – When a muscle presses on the nerve

How Do Doctors Find the Problem?

Your doctor may:

1. Check your movements and pain
2. Ask for tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans
3. Do a nerve test if needed

How is Sciatica Treated?

Most people get better with simple treatment:

1. Medicines

1. Painkillers to reduce pain
2. Medicines to relax muscles
3. Tablets for nerve pain

2. Exercises and Therapy

1. Simple stretching and walking
2. Back-strengthening exercises
3. Heat or cold packs

3. Injections

1. Medicine is injected near the nerve to reduce swelling and pain

4. Surgery

Only needed when:

1. Pain doesn't go away after many weeks
2. You can't move your leg properly
3. You lose control of your urine or stool

Doctors remove the part pressing on the nerve.

How to Take Care of Yourself After Treatment

Even after the pain goes away, you must take care of your back:

1. Do light exercises like walking, yoga, or swimming
2. Avoid sitting too long—take breaks often
3. Sleep on a good mattress and avoid soft beds
4. Lift things the right way—bend your knees, not your back
5. Eat healthy and stay active to avoid weight gain

When Should You See a Doctor?

Visit a doctor if:

1. Your pain is not going away
2. You feel weakness in your legs
3. You have trouble passing urine or stool
4. You feel numbness or no sensation