What many people call a pinched nerve in the lower back is, quite often, the result of a strained muscle or a sprained ligament. A strain or sprain can develop a number of ways, including prolonged sitting (as during a long trip in a car or on a plane), activities that involve a lot of lifting (for example, while moving), and sleeping with the back turned or twisted at an awkward angle. The pain and stiffness that result from the colloquial “pinched nerve” normally can be managed using an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication and will subside in a relatively short amount of time. The same can’t necessarily be said of an actual pinched nerve, which is something else entirely.

The Anatomy of a Pinched Nerve in the Back

The lumbar (lower back) region of the spine bears most of the weight of the upper body and is exposed to a great deal of stress-inducing movement over the years. For these reasons, compared to the upper spine, the anatomical components of the lower spine are at increased risk for developing wear and tear for most people as they enter middle age. As these components wear down, the largest nerve in the body – the sciatic nerve, which originates in the lower back – becomes vulnerable to compression caused by anatomical anomalies such as bone spurs, herniated discs, bulging discs, and vertebral slippage (spondylolisthesis). If these anomalies come into contact with the sciatic nerve, it can produce a set of symptoms known collectively as sciatica, symptoms that can include shooting pain, a burning sensation, muscle spasms, tingling, numbness, and/or muscle weakness. The parts of the body typically affected by sciatica include:

– The lower back

– The buttocks

– The hamstring muscles

– The outer thigh muscles

– The calf muscles

– The feet and toes

Methods Used for Diagnosing Sciatica

If a doctor learns that a patient is experiencing symptoms that resemble sciatica, a pinched nerve in the lower back will almost certainly be suspected. A physical examination will be performed, along with tests of a patient’s reflexes, muscle strength, and range of motion. Medical imaging such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan might be used to confirm the initial diagnosis.

One important tool used by a doctor to diagnose sciatica is patient feedback. Many conditions that lead to the development of sciatica are inherited, which means a detailed description of family medical history may be required. Other pieces of information a doctor might ask for include the frequency and severity of the symptoms, where on the body they are experienced, when they first became a problem, and what physical activities seem to exacerbate or ease the symptoms. It may help to write down this information before the first doctor’s visit, rather than rely on memory.

Treatment Methods Used for Sciatica

Treatment usually begins with a combination of exercise for improving strength, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), stretching to increase flexibility and decrease pressure in the spine, a series of corticosteroid injections, and other conservative methods. Surgery usually becomes an option only if conservative treatment proves ineffective over the course of several weeks or months.

Before consenting to any form of spine surgery, patients should be absolutely certain that all forms of conservative treatment have been attempted. This may require seeking another doctor’s opinion, which is a good idea, in any case. One of the main risk factors for failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is misdiagnosis of the underlying cause of spinal nerve compression. It can only help to have another set of trained eyes in an examination room, as well as on an MRI or CT scan. When it comes to back or neck pain, there is no such thing as too much information. Every decision should be carefully considered, and backed up by thorough research.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of pinched nerves and several other spinal conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for pinched nerves and other spinal conditions. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/pinched_nerve/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of pinched nerves and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: pinched nerve back