Could Pain In The Lower Back Radiating To The Leg Be A Symptom Of Sciatica?

Posted on Thu, 1 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 1 Mar 2018 Answered on

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 Last reviewed on

Question : How can I tell if I have sciatic nerve problem.
What can I do to treat it and alleviate leg pain which originates in my lower back? Has been going on about 3 weeks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is sciatica pain only.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

The pain you have described is sciatica- any pain coming from back to legs is sciatica. There could be different causes for sciatica like slipped disc, spinal canal stenosis, etc.- which can be diagnosed mainly on MRI.

I treat all my patients with sciatica with painkillers, muscle relaxants, and physiotherapy. If they do not improve in 10 days then I advise MRI and further treatment would depend on MRI findings. I would recommend the same for you also.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Gopal Goel, Orthopaedic Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana