Sciatica and Lower Back Pain: A Customer's Success Story

When I was younger, I used to be active. However, an auto accident damaged my back. This resulted in shooting leg pain and sciatic pain in my lower back. My doctor suggested exploring alternative methods for improvement before considering surgery.

In my quest for relief, I've tried various approaches, including stretching, physical therapy, massage, and chiropractic visits. Although these therapies have provided some relief, I am always on the lookout for new ways to alleviate my pain.

This sciatic nerve pain, slowly but surely, became a chronic condition that has stayed with me over the years. And let me tell you, it has not been easy to deal with.  The pain severely affects me, especially in the mornings when I struggle to move. However, I find that applying heat, particularly using Sunnybay's lower back heat wrap, provides significant relief. This product has made a tremendous difference in my life.

As part of my morning routine, I start by microwaving the lower back wrap and then proceed to strap it around my back. After approximately 10 minutes, I experience improved mobility and a reduction in back pain.

I highly recommend this approach to anyone facing similar conditions.

-- Barry K. NC

People frequently ask these common questions. Let's address them individually and provide satisfactory answers.

1. What is sciatic nerve pain?

Sciatic nerve pain is characterized by achy and sharp sensations that radiate through the lower body. It commonly leads to weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg. Chronic sciatic nerve pain affects around 40 million people in the US. The primary cause is injury to or pressure on the sciatic nerve. The most frequent occurrence of sciatica happens when there is pressure on a section of the nerve due to a herniated disk or bone overgrowth. As a result, inflammation, pain, and often numbness occur in the affected leg.

2. How to get relief from sciatic nerve pain?

Cold packs: Apply a cold pack to the painful area for up to 20 minutes several times a day. You can use an ice pack or a package of frozen peas wrapped in a clean towel.

Hot packs: After 2 to 3 days, introduce heat to the affected areas. You can use hot packs, a heat lamp, or a heating pad set on the lowest setting. If the pain persists, consider alternating warm and cold packs.

Regular exercise: Strengthen your back by working on your core muscles, particularly those in the abdomen and lower back. These muscles are crucial for maintaining good posture and spinal alignment.

Maintain good posture when sitting: Choose a seat that provides good lower back support, armrests, and a swivel base. For enhanced lower back support, place a rolled-up towel or small pillow behind your lower back.

3. What are the medications for sciatic nerve pain?

The types of drugs that might be used to treat sciatica pain include:
         Anti-inflammatories.
         Corticosteroids.
4. What are the exercises for sciatic nerve pain relief?

Here are some exercises that can help relieve sciatic nerve pain:

• Knee to chest stretch
• Glute bridges
• Sitting pigeon pose
• Piriformis stretch
• Nerve mobilizing stretch
• Leg raise
• Trunk rotations
• Back extension

5. How can you tell the difference between sciatica and muscle pain?

True sciatic symptoms include tingling, numbness and, most noticeably, weakness in your lower body including the buttocks, legs or feet.

Muscle pain: You may feel a deep, steady ache or random sharp pains. Some people have muscle pain all over, while others have it in specific areas.  Everyone experiences muscle pain differently.

6. How can you tell the difference between sciatic nerve pain and SI joint pain (located at Pelvis)?

Sciatica is typically associated with radiating pain down the sciatic nerve, whereas SI joint pain is localized to the SI joints themselves. Additionally, sciatica is often caused by a herniated disc or other spinal issue, while SI joint pain is more often the result of arthritis or injury.

The sacroiliac joint (SI joint) is located in the pelvis and connects the sacrum and the iliac bone. It is a strong, weight-bearing synovial joint with irregular elevations and depressions that produce interlocking of the two bones.

7. Is there an association between sciatic nerve pain and pregnancy?

During pregnancy, a hormone called relaxin is released by the body. This hormone serves the purpose of relaxing ligaments and preparing the pelvis for childbirth. However, the shift in center of gravity caused by loose ligaments and a growing uterus can lead to the sciatic nerve being pinched. This, in turn, can cause shooting pains down the legs.

8. How do you know if you have sciatic nerve pain?

Sciatica pain can manifest in various locations along the nerve pathway. Particularly common is the pain that radiates from the lower back to the buttock, thigh, and calf. The intensity of the pain can range from a dull ache to a piercing, burning sensation. 

9. How to distinguish sciatic nerve pain from kidney pain?

Common symptoms of kidney pain include:
- A constant, dull ache in your back.
- Pain in your sides, under your rib cage, or in your abdomen.
- Severe or sharp pain that comes in waves.
- Pain that spreads to your groin area.
- Kidney pain is often accompanied by nausea or vomiting, especially if the pain is due to kidney stones.

Sciatica pain can occur in different areas along the nerve pathway. The most common manifestation is pain spreading from the lower back to the buttock, thigh, and calf. Genuine sciatic symptoms encompass tingling, numbness, and most significantly, weakness in the lower body, including the buttocks, legs, or feet.

10. How to differentiate sciatic nerve pain from hip pain?

Hip problems, like arthritis, typically result in pain in the groin area or when bearing weight on or moving the leg. On the other hand, if the pain originates from the back and spreads towards the hip or leg along with symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness, sciatica is likely the cause.

11.  What are the tests to run for diagnosis of sciatic nerve pain?

People with severe lower back pain or pain that doesn't improve within a few weeks may need:

X-ray. An X-ray of the spine may reveal an overgrowth of bone that can be pressing on a nerve.

MRI. This procedure uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to produce cross-sectional images of the back. An MRI produces detailed images of bone and soft tissues, so herniated disks and pinched nerves show on the scan.

CT scan. Having a CT scan might involve having a dye injected into the spinal canal before the X-rays are taken (CT myelogram). The dye then moves around the spinal cord and spinal nerves, making them easier to see on the images.

Electromyography (EMG). This test measures the electrical impulses produced by the nerves and the responses of the muscles. This test can confirm how severe a nerve root injury is.

Here are resources that may help you if you also have similar conditions:

About Sciatica - clevelandclinic.org 

A Visual guide to sciatica - Webmd.com