When the pain goes beyond the lower back and reaches the lower limbs, we talk about irradiated lumbar pain. If the pain extends from the lower back to the heel or foot, descending through the posterior or lateral thigh, we call it lumbosciatica (or simply sciatica). Its presence suggests lesion of the nerve roots that leave the lumbar spine and carry the sensitivity or orders to contract the muscles to the lower limbs through the sciatic nerve. If the pain does not go beyond the knee region, you should not talk about sciatica and its cause is not usually the injury of the nerve roots.

What can you do to relieve the pain?

1-First of all, take some rest, which should not last more than 2 days.

2-After this time, it is essential to begin to get up and to perform a smooth and progressive physical activity as you are noticing less pain.

3-In these phases, the application of local heat several times a day is useful.

4-Massage after the heat (especially if you notice that the muscles in the area are contracted) has demonstrated to be effective.

5-Take analgesics, such as paracetamol or metamizole, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

In chronic low back pain, there are no big differences in the medications to be administered. In patients who also have an anxiety or depression component, some medication can be added to help relieve it. The regular practice of rehabilitation exercises and sports such as swimming are of great help for this ailment.