A pinched nerve in the lower back will produce symptoms that will vary according to which nerve has been pinched. The most common nerve that becomes compressed, causing a pinched nerve in the lower back, is the sciatic nerve that runs from the lower back, through the buttocks and hips, and down the legs down to the heels. When the sciatic nerve becomes compressed, pain may be felt anywhere in those areas; if the nerve is compressed in the lower back, one might feel pain in the lower leg, or in the lower back, or in the hips and buttocks.
Other types of pain may occur as a result of a pinched nerve in the lower back. Numbness, tingling, aching, and even a loss of mobility may occur in the legs and hips, and tightness may occur in the hips and buttocks as well as the hamstrings. Most of these types of pain are associated with the sciatic nerve; the condition is known as sciatica. Many conditions can cause a pinched nerve in the lower back, such as a herniated disc in the spine; this occurs when the spinal disc between two vertebrae ruptures or bulges, pressing against the nerve and causing neurological issues throughout the area of the body serviced by that nerve. Muscle tightness and misaligned hips can also cause sciatic nerve pain.
Pain may also occur in the lower back if one is experiencing a pinched nerve in the lower back, though the pain may not be the result of nerve compression at all; rather, it may be pain caused by the underlying condition that leads to the nerve compression. A herniated disc can cause pain or discomfort in the lower back, and muscle tightness or muscle strains can cause moderate to severe pain in the lower back or buttocks. If muscles in the legs become tight or strained, they may also compress the sciatic nerve, which can lead to nerve pain in the buttocks or lower back.
Treatment for a pinched nerve in the lower back will vary according to the underlying cause of the pain. Muscle strains often heal on their own after time, provided the sufferer allows for plenty of rest and avoids using the muscle for a period of time. A herniated disc will also commonly heal on its own, though in some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged spinal disc.
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drtroubles
Post 3 |
Can anyone tell me what to do for a pinched nerve in my lower back?
My doctor has given me some medication to take care of inflammation and suggested that I see a physiotherapist but I would love to do some things on my own to feel better. I have heard that lower back pain exercises can help to relive the pressure on the nerve, but other than that there isn't much I can do for lower back pain relief. I am pretty much willing to try anything because the pain makes it really hard to sleep some nights. Right now I am stuck sleeping with a pillow between my knees and doing my best to take my medication. |
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MrSmirnov
Post 2 |
@lonelygod - You really should go to see the doctor about your lower back pain. I have a spinal injury and there are so many lower back pain causes that you need to make sure it isn't something serious.
I would suggest you try hot compresses on your back or some muscle rub cream, but if it is a nerve issue it is unlikely those will help you much. If you see your doctor he or she can give you the correct lower back pain treatment and may be able to suggest some exercises for lower back pain that will help you. Just don't do anything until you see your doctor as you could make things worse. |
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lonelygod
Post 1 |
Has anyone experience lower back pain caused by a pinched nerve? Are there any tips you can give to lesson the pain?
I have had the most severe lower back pain for the past few months, and while I do take over-the-counter painkillers they just don't do that much. What bothers me the most is that the pain travels down my right leg and it feels like a terrible muscle cramp. My thigh and calf ache when my back is really bad. I am starting to worry that I may have pinched my sciatic nerve and will need to go to the doctors. |
