Detail

Sciatica Pain

Lower back pain radiating down the leg, sometimes called hip pain radiating down the leg, is related to the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the human body. This nerve is formed by the merging of five nerves from the lumbar spine, connecting at the pelvis, and then extending downward to control and supply muscles and joints from the hip, thigh, knee, calf, foot, all the way to the toes. The symptoms often relate to posture or activity, such as prolonged sitting, standing, or driving. Stopping these activities usually helps reduce or improve the pain.

Symptoms or Characteristics
Duration: It may last only a few hours or extend for days or weeks, depending on the severity of the cause.

Severity: It varies depending on the level of nerve irritation or compression.

Pain pattern: The pain may range from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing sensations, and can include numbness or weakness in the leg or foot.

Causes of lower back pain radiating down the leg

• Muscle inflammation caused by severe muscle spasms due to injury.
• A herniated intervertebral disc pressing on the nerve occurs due to a tear in the outer layer of the disc.
• Spinal degeneration: age-related deterioration of the spinal joints.
• Other causes of spinal infection

Methods for treating back pain radiating down the leg

1. Medication and physical therapy: help relax muscles and reduce pain, as well as strengthen muscles.
2. Injection of steroids into the epidural space: suitable for those in the early stages without muscle weakness. It helps reduce radiating back pain effectively and quickly. This method cannot provide a cure but can alleviate pain.
3. Laser surgery: This involves inserting a small camera into the spinal canal and using a laser to shrink the herniated disc. It has a high re-operation rate.
4. Minimally invasive surgery: This involves making a small incision and performing the surgery using a microscope to magnify the view during the procedure.
5. Endoscopic surgery: This surgery uses an endoscope, resulting in a small incision of approximately 1 cm and reduced muscle damage.