If you’re living with lower back pain and sciatica, you’re not alone. This type of pain affects millions of people, often starting in the lower back and traveling down one leg. It can feel like a sharp, burning, or shooting pain, and in many cases, it’s linked to nerve compression. While some cases improve with rest or home remedies, others may need expert care to avoid long-term damage or chronic pain.
So how do you know when it’s time to seek professional help?
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Sciatica
Lower back pain and sciatica often go hand-in-hand. Sciatica is not a condition itself—it’s a symptom caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in your body. This nerve starts in the lower spine and runs down each leg.
Common signs include:
- Pain that shoots from your lower back down your leg
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in your leg or foot
- Discomfort that worsens when sitting or standing for long periods
- Difficulty walking due to pain or muscle weakness
According to Dr. Ghalambor, interventional pain specialist at NorTex Spine & Joint Institute, “Sciatic nerve pain can be manageable early on, but if left untreated, it can progress and lead to serious nerve damage. Knowing when to get help is key to lasting relief.”
When Lower Back and Leg Pain Require a Doctor’s Care
Not all back pain needs medical treatment—but some warning signs mean it’s time to act.
See a doctor if you experience:
- Persistent pain lasting more than a few weeks
- Sudden, severe leg pain or numbness
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Muscle weakness in the leg or foot
- Pain following an injury, like a fall or accident
These symptoms may point to serious nerve compression, which could require a personalized treatment plan from a sciatic nerve pain specialist.
What Causes Lower Back Pain and Sciatica?
There are many possible causes of sciatic nerve irritation. The most common include:
- Herniated disc: A bulging disc presses on the sciatic nerve
- Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal
- Piriformis syndrome: A muscle in the buttocks irritates the nerve
- Degenerative disc disease: Wear and tear on the spine
- Trauma or injury to the lower back or pelvis
Treatment depends on the root cause, which is why it’s so important to get an expert evaluation.
Effective Treatments for Lasting Sciatica Relief
Many patients are surprised to learn that most cases of lower back pain and sciatica can be treated without surgery. At NorTex Spine & Joint, we offer non-surgical back pain relief tailored to each patient.
Some options include:
- Sciatica physical therapy services to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility
- Image-guided injections for targeted pain relief
- Medication management for inflammation and nerve pain
- Lifestyle adjustments such as posture training and ergonomic support
- Chronic back pain treatment options that combine multiple therapies for best results
Dr. Ghalambor emphasizes, “The goal is to relieve pain, improve movement, and avoid surgery when possible. Each person’s plan is different based on the severity of the nerve compression and how it affects daily life.”
How to Take the Next Step Toward Relief
If you’ve tried rest, ice, stretching, or over-the-counter medications and your symptoms aren’t improving—or if they’re getting worse—it’s time to schedule a back pain doctor appointment.
We recommend a leg pain and sciatica evaluation to get to the root of the issue. At NorTex Spine & Joint, our team will create a personalized plan to manage your pain and prevent it from returning.
You can also search for “sciatica treatment near me” to explore all your local options. Finding the right nerve pain management specialist is an important step toward reclaiming your comfort and mobility.
Transparency note: While NorTex Spine & Joint provides specialized care, many reputable clinics offer similar treatments. Always seek multiple opinions before deciding on treatment.
Book Your Sciatica Consultation Today
Don’t let lower back pain and sciatica keep you from doing the things you love. Whether you’re in Fort Worth, Allen, Coppell, or Garland, our team is here to help.
Book your sciatica consultation now and explore your options for lasting lower back pain relief—without surgery.
Relief is possible. Let’s take the first step together.
More 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
