What is the difference between Lower Back Pain and Sciatica?
Lower Back Pain is a blanket term that is commonly used for any pain located in the lower back region. Your lumbar spine, which is the lower part of your spine, is designed to be strong, flexible, and able to support the weight and movement of your upper body. It’s very common for this area to be injured from everyday stresses because it does a lot for our body.
Low back pain is very common and it affects over 30 million Americans on a daily basis. Symptoms can range from a minor annoyance to severe cases such as a ruptured or herniated disc.
Patients commonly affected:
Those who are over the age of 30 are commonly more susceptible to lower back pain, however, anyone can experience symptoms.
People who are overweight/obese may experience more symptoms because of excess pressure in the joints and disks.
Lastly, those who experience other health issues including scoliosis, osteoarthritis, anxiety, and depression can experience increased lower back pain.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Pain ranges from dull and achy to sharp and burning
- Muscles Spasms
- Muscle Stiffness
- Posture Problems
Sciatica, on the other hand, is relative to compression or irritation of the surrounding tissues which is called the sciatic nerve. This is a very large nerve that runs from your low back and comes through the hip area down the leg into the foot.
Sciatica is defined as radiating pain that often originates from the lower back and travels down the leg, this pain can be generated from anywhere where that nerve might be irritated.
Common Causes of Sciatica:
- Affecting mostly 30 to 50 years olds.
- Obesity
- Poor posture
- Tumor
- Abscess
- Blood clot
- Awkward sitting position
- Any nerve disorders
Common Symptoms Include:
- Radiating burning pain from the back and into the legs and foot.
- Loss of bowel or bladder function
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Permanent nerve damage
In simple terms low back pain is very localized while sciatic pain can include low back pain, but also includes pain shooting down the leg.
What can we do to help low back pain or sciatic pain?
Chiropractic care is a great way to bring the body back into balance, to help with back pain we apply a very gentle but specific force that’s designed to restore normal neurology to the targeted area. This allows the body to get back to healing, functioning, or repairing the way it’s supposed to.
Routine chiropractic care can provide our patients and practice members with a way to not only increase the likelihood of recuperating the body’s ability to restore, repair, and organize but also reduce the chances of having a re-injury or experiencing those symptoms again.
If you are experiencing any issues like this or have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Our mission is provide the very best education, products, services, and support necessary to make sure that we generate unparalleled change in our community’s health and well-being.
Alicia Johnson
August 17, 2022.
Ok so I got to my appointment early to complete the new patient paperwork and was immediately met with one of the nicest smiles I haven’t seen in 2 years since the pandemic, Dr. Cox! He was helpful and even made fun of himself about the working of the tablet. The office is immaculate though from the outside of the building I was a bit worried ?I initially went in for the Slim program and was introduced to Rena! What a wonderful surprise, So knowledgeable brought tears to my eyes with all of the new information she provided. I feel safe in Life Aligned hands and will now be a part of their family!
Stephanie Walsh
August 1, 2022.
I've been a paitent for 18 years, everyone here truly cares and wants the best for all
Ina Fick
August 1, 2022.
I had severe neck pain and frequent migraines, when I first came to see Dr. K! She is amazing so is all the staff. I feel so much better!!! My overall health has improved also! Highly recommend Life Aligned Wellness if you have any back and neck pain especially if you are looking for holistic, non-medication, non surgical approach!
Kathleen Rossi
June 1, 2022.
Great folks .... finally some relief!
Geraldine Jauhola
December 15, 2021.
Above what we expected. Both my husband and I have found Life Aligned Wellness more than we anticipated. We have both been to chiropractors in the past but this is so much more advanced with the technology and the techniques both Dr. Cox and Dr. Kabala have shown to help us. We have to drive 40 minutes one way to their office but it is well worth it. Thank you to both Dr. Cox and Dr. Kabala for their services.
Merl Will-Wallace
December 9, 2021.
The intake function is the best I’ve ever encountered with the chiropractic clinic. The assessment by Dr. K is beyond complete making me feel confident that a resolution to my problem will occur.
Rebecca Hawkins
November 10, 2021.
Dr Cox & Dr Kabala (& the entire LAWC team) helped me turn my life around! They are amazing! Definitely feel like family! Would recommend to anyone!
Stephen Mills
November 9, 2021.
I have had years of discomfort stemming from misalignment of my spine. Despite yoga, massage and heat therapy, I still could not relief the nerve irritation, tight muscles, and restricted range of motion. During my first adjustment, which was gentle and not uncomfortable, I felt instant improvement.
I am eager to continue on this healing journey with the talented and compassionate team at Life Aligned Wellness Center.