Sciatica is a term used to describe low back pain that usually radiates into one or both legs. If the pain is radiating down the leg, it is likely being generated from a structure associated with the lumbar spine.

Radicular low back pain is pain usually generated from the lumbar spine.  Rarely, it can be from surrounding structures, muscles and pelvic or lower abdomen organs.  Radicular pain can be caused by any of the following:

• Lumbar Discs
• Lumbar Facet Joints
• Lumbar Vertebra
• Lumbar Nerves
• Sacroiliac Joints

All the above structures are linked to the lumbar spinal nerves, and when irritated, send signals to the brain that are perceived as pain in the low back that radiates into the buttock or leg. Pain can be felt on one or both sides of the body with this condition.

How to Identify Sciatica

There are several common symptoms that could indicate sciatica, including:

• Lower back or leg pain (either sharp or chronic)
• A tingling sensation or numbness in one or both legs, that may extend down to the toes
• Pain in the buttocks

Generally, sciatica only results in pain on one side of the body rather than both. People who suffer from sciatica can have widely varying symptoms. Some people experience intense shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand or walk. Others feel a subtler and less frequent pain.

Sciatica Treatment Options

Most radicular low back pain is not serious.  The condition can generally be resolved by using conservative treatment methods, such as:

• Ice and heat
• Keep rest to a minimum – movement actually helps most structures to heal, allowing blood to flow to the region that carries the body’s own healing tools
• Use over the counter medication to reduce pain

If the pain does not resolve within a week of trying these methods, then help from a primary care provider may be beneficial to obtain stronger medications and physical therapy.  No matter what you do, most sciatica pain will resolve within a month.

If radicular low back pain does not resolving in a month, the patient should consult with a Physical Medicine specialist, especially one board certified in Pain Medicine.  These physicians can listen to your symptoms, examine the muscles, spine and nervous system, determine what more testing is necessary and design an appropriate individualized treatment program for you.