Have you ever felt a sharp pain that starts from your lower back and travels down your legs? If yes, it could be a type of nerve pain called sciatica. Sciatica is a common condition that affects around 40% of Americans over the age of 20 at some point in their lives. However, another condition called lumbar radiculopathy shares similar symptoms and is often used synonymously with sciatica. Lumbar radiculopathy is a medical condition that is treated differently from sciatica. In this article, we discuss sciatica vs. lumbar radiculopathy.
At Mid State Spine & Rehab, we can help you understand the differences between these conditions and provide tailored treatment to help you get back to doing what you love. Read our article for more facts about back pain in general.
Sciatica
Sciatica is nerve pain derived from an injury or otherwise irritation to its namesake: the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest bundle of nerves in your body, one that’s at least two centimeters wide and runs from your lower back all the way down your legs. That’s why if you’re experiencing sciatica or sciatic nerve damage, the pain often manifests as pain, tingling or numbness along your back. Most of the time, sciatica pain radiates into the back of your leg and stops just behind the knee. It is generally associated with a piriformis muscle issue, which has positive outcomes if diagnosed and treated correctly.
Lumbar Radiculopathy
Lumbar radiculopathy is nerve pain caused by injury to the lumbar spine, leading to pressure on the nerve and coinciding inflammation. The pain experienced often overlaps with sciatica – radiating from the lower back down the legs – to the point where lumbar radiculopathy is one of the potential causes of pain that radiates from the back into the legs.
Sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy have a variety of potential causes, such as sustaining an injury or from regular wear-and-tear. Still, no matter the cause, what unites them is that both should be taken seriously regarding treatment. While some individuals can find relief through personal care, neglecting to address the pain properly can lead to further complications.
That’s why we recommend speaking with your doctor about referring you to Mid State Spine & Rehab, where our team of highly experienced medical professionals is fully equipped to treat sciatic, lumbar radiculopathy and other forms of lower back pain. It is important to have a specialist who cares for these issues to evaluate you and do the appropriate workup to obtain an accurate diagnosis. With an accurate diagnosis, the road to recovery is more secure. Give us a call at 318-473-9556 or click here to schedule an appointment today.
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