Sciatica and general low back pain can often be mistaken for one another, but there are some key differences between the two. If you are experiencing back pain, it is important to know which condition you are suffering from in order to receive the correct treatment.
Sciatica is a condition that results from compression of the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down the legs. Sciatica can cause low back pain, as well as pain in the legs, hips, and feet. The pain is often described as a sharp, shooting sensation.
Sciatica can effect your daily life in many ways. The pain can make it difficult to stand up or sit down. It can also make it hard to walk or climb stairs. In severe cases, the pain can be so intense that it makes it impossible to sleep.
General low back pain , on the other hand, is not caused by a specific injury or condition. It is more common and can be brought on by things like poor posture, muscle strains, or herniated discs. The pain is often described as a dull ache that radiates through the lower back.
Like sciatica, low back pain can make your daily movements difficult. You may have trouble bending down or standing up. The pain can also make it hard to walk or climb stairs.
There are several treatment options for low back pain as well.
You can alternate between heat and ice therapy to reduce the pain. Heat therapy increases blood flow to the area, which helps to reduce inflammation. Ice therapy numbs the area and can help to reduce swelling.
There are several treatment options for sciatica and low back pain.
Cupping massage can help with sciatica by breaking up the muscle “knots” that are causing the pain. This type of massage uses suction cups that are placed on the skin. The suction pulls the skin and underlying tissue away from the muscle, which helps to release the tension.
Cupping massage for sciatica and low back pain will be similar, but the cups will be placed somewhat differently to target the specific pain.
Stretching can also help with this condition because they lengthen and stretch the muscles, which can in turn help to reduce the pain.
It may be tempting to just lie down because it hurts, but this can actually make the pain worse. It is important to keep moving, even if it is just a little bit.
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