The Connection Between Sciatica and Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor—and sciatica is often a major culprit. While many assume sciatica is simply back pain, it’s actually a very specific condition with a unique set of symptoms and causes. Understanding the connection between sciatica and lower back pain can help you seek the right treatment and find long-lasting relief.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, through the hips and buttocks, and down each leg. This pain typically affects only one side of the body and can range from mild to severe. In some cases, sciatica also causes numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected leg.

How Is Sciatica Connected to Lower Back Pain?

The root cause of sciatica is usually a problem in the lower spine, where the sciatic nerve begins. The most common causes include:

• Herniated or slipped discs that press on the nerve roots

• Spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal

• Degenerative disc disease, which can irritate nearby nerves

• Bone spurs that compress the nerve

Because the source of sciatica is located in the lower back, many people experience back pain before or alongside leg pain. The discomfort may start in the lumbar spine and then radiate down the leg as the nerve becomes irritated or compressed.

Symptoms to Watch For

While general back pain might come and go, sciatica usually has more specific symptoms, such as:

• Sharp, burning, or shooting pain from the lower back down one leg

• Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or sneezing

• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot

• Muscle weakness or difficulty moving the leg

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, especially alongside lower back pain, it’s time to talk to a specialist.

Treatment Options

At Garden State Pain and Orthopedics, we offer a variety of treatment options for sciatica and lower back pain. These may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, or minimally invasive procedures to relieve pressure on the nerve. Our goal is to treat the root cause—not just the symptoms—so you can return to a pain-free, active lifestyle.

Don’t Ignore the Signs

Sciatica can become more serious if left untreated, leading to long-term nerve damage or mobility issues. If you’re struggling with lower back pain that radiates down your leg, let our team help.

Visit GardenStatePain.com today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief.