Back Pain - How is sciatica pain different from back pain?

How is sciatica pain different from back pain?

I have a shooting like pain down one side of my lower back which runs down towards my buttocks. I am unable to bend due to this pain. And when i do, its really painful. Does it sound like sciatica? Or just normal back pain?

Public Comments

i'm not exactly sure but if i were you i'd call your caregiver to see if they want you to go in and get checked.
Sounds possibly like sciatica / trapped nerve. My mum had really bad sciatica when she was heavily pregnant and had my little bro via c-section in the end, cos the pain was unbearable plus he was a large baby!! She still suffer from back pain now and is on medication for it. I would maybe check with your doctor and see if he can suggest anything. Im also currently feeling a similar pain, but havent yet been to a doctor, warm baths and heat pads and a deep heat muscular rub tends to help to relieve my aching back! Hope that helps. Please take a look at mine and answer, thanks http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AuiWEQL6_MSrUfdKPmVUMeXsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20080929095238AAfmorz
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