Back pain is one of the most common health complaints, affecting millions of people every year. But while many people use the terms “back pain” and “sciatica” interchangeably, they’re definitely not the same thing.
Understanding the difference between sciatica and other types of back pain can help you identify the source of your symptoms and decide when it’s time to call our office for medical care.
In this post, the team from Mid-Jersey Orthopaedics explains the key differences between “regular” back pain and sciatica so that you can find a solution focused on long-term relief and comfort.
Back pain is a generalized term that actually describes discomfort anywhere in your back, from your shoulders down to your lower back. Because it’s a general term, it can refer to pain with lots of different causes, like muscle strains, ligament injuries, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, repetitive lifting, and even poor posture or a bad sleeping position.
If you have “general” back pain, you might have symptoms like aching, stiffness, soreness, or tightness in your back muscles. You might notice “twinges” when you turn or twist your waist or when you lift or reach for an object. Prolonged standing or sitting may make your symptoms feel worse.
Fortunately, many types of general back pain are temporary, improving with activity modification, rest, physical therapy, gentle stretching, and anti-inflammatory medicines, sometimes combined with heat and ice therapy. That said, persistent or worsening pain should never be ignored.
Sciatica is a specific type of back pain that happens when the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed. The longest nerve in your body, your sciatic nerve exits your lower spine and divides into two sections, with each section traveling down one of your legs.
Sometimes, the sciatic nerve is compressed inside the spinal canal, while other times, it’s impinged near the space where it leaves your spine. Compression irritates the nerve, triggering pain in your lower back and anywhere along the nerve pathway — even down your leg.
Like general back pain, sciatica can have lots of potential causes, like:
And, like general back pain, sciatica can also be caused by repetitive movements or poor posture that results in swelling and nerve irritation.
In addition to localized aching, sciatica often causes dull aching or electricity-like “shocks” of pain radiating from your lower back into your buttocks and leg. Frequently, symptoms affect only one leg, but depending on where the nerve is compressed, you might have symptoms in both legs. Symptoms tend to be worse at night when lying prone increases pressure on the nerve.
Since nerves are involved, you can have other symptoms, like tingling, numbness, or weakness in your leg. In more severe cases, you might find it more difficult to coordinate movements like walking or climbing stairs.
This is an easy question to answer: If you’re suffering from any type of back pain that’s persistent, getting worse, or interfering with your routine (including your sleep), it’s time to give us a call so we can help you find relief. Prompt treatment is essential to help you feel better and make sure the underlying cause of your symptoms doesn’t get worse.
If you’re dealing with any type of back pain, we’re ready to help you feel better and protect your spine health. To find out more, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Mid-Jersey Orthopaedics in Flemington, Bridgewater, and Washington, New Jersey, today.
