I have seen that many people are finding ChiroCentre.co.uk because they are struggling with a trapped nerve looking for neck pain relief. So I thought I would say a bit today for people suffering from a trapped nerve looking for lower back pain relief. As is widely mentioned and commonly known lower back pain is common health problem for many adults. So in this low back pain article I will briefly discuss what can cause a trapped nerve in your lower back creating a lower back and leg pain. I will also touch on sciatica pain and what can you do to get lower back pain relief.
Lower Back and Leg Pain Causes
Sciatica pain is a when you have pain running down the back of your leg in the same area that the sciatic nerve runs. Sciatica is also mentioned with lower back and leg pain as it means the sciatic nerve can be trapped. So sciatica is a symptom and not a diagnosis, which is important to remember. The lower back region is made up of lumbar vertebrae, muscles, ligaments, nerves and more, with any of these causing lower back and leg pain. So what do I see commonly in my chiropractic clinic causing sciatica or lower back pain, here are two of them.
- Bulging Disc/Herniated Discs
When I see signs of nerve compression, nerve entrapment and irritation I always suspect a lower back pain coming from lumbar disc injury. This is a condition causing true sciatica pain because a branch of the sciatic nerve can be irritated causing lower back and leg pain. - Facet Syndrome
A facet is a spinal joint between each lumbar vertebrae in your lower back spine. They too can get irritated enough to cause severe lower back pain especially first thing in the morning. I find a sudden facet syndrome sprain/strain happens commonly when people try tie a shoe lace in the morning. Severe facet joint pain should not cause leg pain below the knee that is usually when you have a trapped nerve in the spine.
In this brief low back pain video you can see the herniated disc at the L4-5 level that can cause lower back and leg pain. This will help you understand the lumbar spine anatomy a bit better.
Lower Back and Leg Pain Relief
So if after examining you your chiropractor or doctor confirms that you have a true trapped nerve in your lower back or leg then they will advise what they could do for you. However, there are some exercises for relief of lower back pain and things you can try do yourself whilst getting your appropriate lower back pain treatment.
- RICE
“RICE” stands for Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate. You can use covered ice packs to bring pain and swelling down.You can rest from too much not NO driving, walking etc… Compression can be from a lumbar support belt if needed. But you can’t elevate so forget that one. - Bum Squeezes
Using your gluteal (bum) muscles to support your spine can help control abnormal back movement which can cause lower back and leg pain. So squeeze your bum muscles when bending or getting up from a chair. - Lumbar Support Chair Cushion
Lumbar chair support is important to use in your office, car and sofa seat. Back support chairs have a cushion pushing your lower back forward to re-create the natural lumbar spine lordosis (arch). - Review Medication for Nerve Pain
If your GP prescribes you or you try pain medications without a prescription and there is still extreme lower back and leg pain you should have your GP review your medication.There are many types and dosages of medication for nerve pain and some work better for different people than others. So chat with your GP if you have not about maybe changing your pain medication if needed.
The lower back and leg pain relief self-help list above is not exhaustive, but should hopefully give you some ideas as to what you can do to also help your trapped nerve in your low back pain or leg pain.