Back pain can be debilitating, especially when it disrupts your daily routine. However, the causes of back pain are varied, from injury to nerve compression or damage.
Identifying the source of back pain is crucial for lasting relief. If you’re unsure whether you have sciatica or a more serious condition, Dr. Steven J. Svabek and his team can provide a precise diagnosis and advanced treatment.
Dr. Svabek is an experienced orthopedic surgeon who provides sports medicine consultations, spine surgery, and the iFuse® implant system by SI Bone® for severe back pain and related conditions.
Sciatica refers to back pain that radiates down one or both legs, causing numbness, tingling, or pain; it’s considered more of a symptom than a condition.
People with sciatica experience pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. This pain typically arises when something compresses or puts pressure on one or more major spinal nerves.
Common causes include bone spurs, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and back injuries. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:
Sciatica symptoms may fluctuate or persist. They can be intense enough to disrupt work, leisure, or home life.
General low back pain arises from issues such as muscle strains, direct trauma, or degenerative disorders. It typically begins and ends in the lower back but may radiate into the buttocks.
Low back pain differs for everyone. Some feel a dull ache or stiffness, while others experience throbbing or sharp pain. It may result from an injury or improper posture. Lifting heavy objects or making sudden movements can strain muscles or aggravate other conditions, causing pain.
The key distinction between sciatica and general low back pain is the involvement of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica typically causes sharp, radiating pain down one leg, whereas low back pain remains localized to the lumbar spine.
General low back pain typically stems from injury or movement, while sciatica may indicate a more significant issue, such as stenosis or a herniated disc. Sciatica also causes numbness and tingling in the back and leg; general back pain typically doesn’t.
How we treat back pain depends on the cause of the pain. Lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medicine, and physical therapy can address sciatica and other types of low back pain.
Regular stretching, heat and cold therapy, and better posture can help. If these measures don’t reduce symptoms, we may recommend injections or surgery. Dr. Svabek discusses surgery when necessary and performs several procedures targeting the root problem for lasting relief.
Take the first step toward relief. Call the Coral Springs, Florida, office of Steven J. Svabek, DO, PA, or request an appointment online today.
