You may have tried block injections and pain relief patches, but if there hasn’t been visible improvement, it’s likely due to poor blood circulation in the sciatic nerve, causing it to become swollen (excessive internal pressure), or the surrounding muscles being tense and obstructing nerve transmission.
Even if you feel somewhat better, you may suddenly experience intense pain without warning, or on some days, the pain in your back and legs could be so severe that you can’t walk. The muscles that support your lumbar spine, your posture, and even your diet can all cause subtle internal changes in your body.
If you identify with many of these symptoms, let’s explore the specific issues in the following section!
Most people experience lower back pain along with numbness or pain in the legs. Some may even drag their feet while walking due to weakness. However, sciatica is not always associated with lower back pain.
For some people, the issue originates in the intervertebral disc (such as in a hernia), while for others, the cause may be related to the lumbar spine itself (such as in spondylolisthesis). However, all of these conditions negatively affect the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back down to the legs. In severe cases, people may lose the sense of temperature in the affected leg, or notice obvious muscle wasting. Additionally, some may experience dizziness due to sensory impairments in their feet.
There are various factors that contribute to sciatica. One common cause is muscle tension around the lumbar spine, which restricts blood flow and nerve transmission (sciatica stemming from lower back pain).
Another cause is misalignment or degeneration of the lumbar spine itself, which impedes blood flow and nerve transmission (such as in herniated discs or spondylolisthesis). These conditions need to be carefully assessed through medical tests, and appropriate treatment must be provided. Even if the same symptoms appear, the underlying cause can differ significantly between those with sciatica stemming from lower back pain and those with conditions like herniated discs or spondylolisthesis.
If you’ve experienced a severe lumbar sprain in the past, it’s likely that your intervertebral discs or lumbar spine have already sustained significant damage. Without proper treatment, you’ll be at a higher risk of developing recurrent lower back pain and sciatica, and your symptoms will likely worsen over time.