Confusions: Sciatica is often misunderstood as lower back pain due to the similarity in their symptoms.
Familiarization: Sciatica is a pain caused by the sciatic nerve whose function is to carry neurological messages from the brain to the spinal cord. The pain usually radiates between buttocks to the toes. This pain is not only caused by the sciatic nerve but also caused by the joints, muscles and the discs.
Differentiation:
Lower back pain is usually a dull aching pain at the belt line /hip part occurring on one side whereas sciatica is a sharp shooting pain.
Causes:
Lower back pain can manifest due to pain from joint muscle and disc caused due to sudden movement, bad postures, menstrual cycles, stress and sickness. Catalysts of spasms could be a minor incident of sneezing, coughing or even putting on a sock. In hindsight, sciatica can be an acute outbreak easy to pinpoint unlike lower back pain, sciatic pain causes numbness along the whole foot and should not be overlooked and if continual pain exists then one should consult a physician.
Tenure:
Lower back pain if unresolved and is agonizing till after 6 weeks, should be consulted to a physician.
Conclusion:
Sciatica and lower back pain can be efficiently managed if timely counsel is taken.
