Lower back nerve pain can feel sharp, burning, or shooting. It may travel down your leg or stay in your lower back. But how do you know if it’s sciatica, a pinched nerve, or something else like radiculopathy? This guide will help you understand the difference and what to do next.
Lower Back Nerve Pain Explained | Is It Sciatica or Something Else?
Nerve pain in the lower back usually comes from irritation or compression of a spinal nerve. This can happen due to injury, poor posture, herniated discs, or spinal conditions like stenosis.
Common causes of lower back nerve pain include:
- Sciatica: Pain from the sciatic nerve, usually radiating from the lower back down one leg.
- Pinched nerve: When a nerve is compressed by bone or tissue, causing pain, tingling, or weakness.
- Radiculopathy: A broader term for symptoms caused by nerve root compression or inflammation.
Sciatica vs. Pinched Nerve: How to Identify Lower Back Nerve Pain
It’s not always easy to tell them apart. Here’s a quick breakdown of symptoms:
Sciatica symptoms:
- Pain radiating from the lower back to the buttock, thigh, or calf
- Usually affects one side
- Numbness or tingling in the leg
- Sharp, burning, or shooting pain with movement
Pinched nerve signs:
- Local pain or stiffness in the lower back
- Tingling or numbness in a more specific area
- Muscle weakness in the legs or feet
- Worsens with certain positions like sitting or bending
Radiculopathy signs:
- Pain that follows a specific nerve root path
- Numbness, burning, or weakness in the leg
- Often caused by a herniated disc or degenerative disc disease
Lower Back Pain Diagnosis Guide | Is It a Pinched Nerve or Radiculopathy?
A proper diagnosis is key. At NorTex Spine & Joint Institute, we use a combination of physical exams, imaging (like MRIs or nerve scans), and symptom review to get clear answers.
Tests may include:
- Neurological exam for strength, reflexes, and sensation
- MRI or CT scan to check for disc damage or nerve compression
- EMG (electromyography) to detect nerve or muscle issues
Dr. Ghalambor explains:
“Nerve pain is complex. Many patients come in thinking it’s sciatica, but often, it’s radiculopathy from a disc issue or a pinched nerve due to spinal narrowing. Getting the right diagnosis early makes treatment more effective and recovery faster.”
Lower Back Nerve Pain Treatment Options | From Sciatica to Radiculopathy
Once diagnosed, your care team will create a plan tailored to your condition and lifestyle. Treatments range from simple at-home care to advanced pain procedures.
Options include:
- Physical therapy: To improve posture, flexibility, and strength
- Medications: Such as anti-inflammatories or nerve pain blockers
- Chiropractic care: For spinal alignment and pressure relief
- Epidural steroid injections: To reduce inflammation near the nerve
- Minimally invasive procedures: Like nerve ablation or spinal decompression
- Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, posture correction, ergonomic supports
Dr. Ghalambor adds:
“We focus on non-surgical treatments first. With the right plan, most patients can avoid surgery and still find long-term relief.”
When to See a Specialist
You should schedule a consultation if:
- Pain lasts more than a few weeks
- It interferes with sleep or walking
- You experience leg numbness, weakness, or bladder changes
If you’re unsure, it’s best to book a lower back pain consultation near you or schedule a sciatica diagnosis appointment to rule out more serious causes.
Transparency Reminder
While NorTex Spine & Joint provides specialized care, many reputable clinics offer similar treatments. Always seek multiple opinions before deciding on treatment.
Next Steps
If you think your lower back nerve pain could be sciatica, a pinched nerve, or radiculopathy, don’t wait. Early treatment can mean quicker relief and fewer complications. At NorTex Spine & Joint Institute, serving Fort Worth, Allen, Coppell, and Garland, we’re here to help you move better and feel better.
Book your nerve pain evaluation now or request a lower back nerve scan appointment with one of our experienced specialists.
Additional Resources:
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/7-common-low-back-pain-faq
https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/what-helps-with-lower-back-pain
