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Symptoms of Low Back Pain and Sciatica

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Symptoms of Low Back Pain and Sciatica

Low back pain may be felt all the time or the pain may come and go. The pain may feel sharp or achy. It may be worse when a person is moving, sitting, standing, bending, or twisting. It can make it hard to do day to day activities. Some activities can also worsen pain.

Sciatica pain happens when a nerve is irritated. This may cause a person to have burning, tingling, or shooting pain that spreads to the buttock or the back of one leg. There may also be muscle weakness or numbness.

Sciatic Nerve Pain.

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References

  • Acute low back pain. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-low-back-pain.
  • Chronic low back pain. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chronic-low-back-pain.
  • Low back pain. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/low-back-pain.
  • Sciatica. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12792-sciatica.
  • Sciatica. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/sciatica.

Contributors

  • James Cornell, MD
Last Updated:
2023-08-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.