Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Lumbago with Sciatica
1746873588
Lumbago with sciatica refers to lower back pain accompanied by radiating pain down the leg. This occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, often due to a bulging or herniated disc, spinal degeneration, or structural changes in the spine. Diagnosis involves a physical exam and imaging tests such as MRI or X-rays.
Common causes include:
- Physical strain or injury: Heavy lifting or repetitive strain can trigger nerve compression. - Herniated or bulging discs: Spinal discs pressing against the sciatic nerve lead to sharp, radiating pain. - Spinal degeneration: Conditions like spinal stenosis, arthritis, or disc wear contribute to pain. - Lifestyle factors: Obesity, prolonged sitting, or poor posture can worsen nerve compression.
Symptoms include sharp lower back pain traveling through the buttocks and down the leg, often with tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness.
Treatment focuses on pain reduction and restoring mobility. Physical therapy strengthens core and back muscles, improves posture, and increases flexibility. Medications like anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants may alleviate discomfort. Targeted injections, such as epidural steroids, can provide relief for severe nerve irritation.
Most people experience improvement within a few weeks with conservative treatments. If symptoms persist or worsen, surgical options like decompression surgery or microdiscectomy might be considered.
Early treatment is key to preventing chronic pain. If you have persistent lower back and leg pain, early intervention can improve mobility and prevent long-term nerve damage. Talk to our team to find the best treatment plan for you.
FAQs
How is lumbago with sciatica diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a combination of a physical examination to assess nerve-related symptoms, as well as imaging tests like MRI or X-rays to confirm nerve compression or structural anomalies in the spine.
What are the common causes of lumbago with sciatica?
Common causes include physical strain or injury from heavy lifting or repetitive activities, herniated or bulging discs pressing against the sciatic nerve, spinal degeneration due to conditions like spinal stenosis or arthritis, and lifestyle factors such as obesity, prolonged sitting, or poor posture.
What are the risks of leaving lumbago with sciatica untreated?
If left untreated, lumbago with sciatica can lead to chronic pain, permanent nerve damage, reduced mobility, and even muscle atrophy. Early intervention is crucial to preventing these complications and improving long-term outcomes.
What is lumbago with sciatica?
Lumbago with sciatica is a condition that involves lower back pain (lumbago) accompanied by radiating pain along the sciatic nerve, which runs down the leg. This typically results from the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve due to factors such as a bulging or herniated disc, spinal degeneration, or structural changes in the spine.
What treatment options are available for lumbago with sciatica?
Treatment focuses on reducing pain and restoring mobility, which may include physical therapy to strengthen core and back muscles, medications like anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants, and targeted injections such as epidural steroids. In cases where symptoms persist or worsen, surgical options like decompression surgery or microdiscectomy may be considered.