A pinched nerve in the lower back is usually the result of a disc herniation. The herniated disc material literally “pinches” or compresses the nerve root. This can result in leg pain, numbness/tingling, and even leg weakness.
The leg pain caused by a pinched nerve in the lower back is referred to as radicular pain or sciatica.
Sciatica and/or radicular pain can occur even if the nerve root is not “pinched” or compressed. Inflammation around the nerve root, without compression of the nerve itself, can also result in leg pain and numbness/tingling.
The prognosis for sciatica pain caused by a pinched nerve in the lower back is good. The majority of the time the pain will decrease, then go away completely within six to eight weeks.
Directional preference work and specific lower back exercises help facilitate the healing process.
If there is leg weakness due to nerve root compression that does not improve over the course of six to eight weeks a microdiscectomy may be considered. This simple, minimally invasive procedure removes the piece of herniated disc that is pinching the nerve root. Restoring normal nerve function from the nerve to the leg.
FAQs
First determine if you have a directional preference. With a pinched nerve in the lower back either lumbar extension or flexion will usually reduce the symptoms. Whichever direction of movement REDUCES symptoms is the directional preference. It’s usually extension. Use exercises and positioning that move the lower back into the direction that reduces symptoms. Self traction with chairs or a pull-up bar can be effective as well.
The two most effective home treatments are directional preference training and self traction using chairs or a pull-up bar. To determine if there is a directional preference check out Get Sciatica Relief with Specific Directional Preference Exercise. Setting up simple, effective traction at home is simple and covered in Three Herniated Disc Exercises to Relieve Your Pain. Focusing on directional preference exercises and self lumbar traction usually eliminate or greatly reduce symptoms within six weeks.
