A pinched nerve in the lower back can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and loss of range of motion in the legs and hips. The most common cause is a herniated disc, and treatment varies based on the underlying cause.
A pinched nerve in the lower back will produce symptoms that can vary depending on the pinched nerve. The nerve that is most commonly compressed is the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, through the buttocks and hips, and down the legs to the heels. When this nerve is pinched, pain can be felt anywhere in those areas. If the nerve is compressed in the lower back, a person may experience pain in the lower leg, lower back, or hips and buttocks.
Other types of pain can occur due to a pinched nerve in the lower back. A patient may experience numbness, tingling, pain and even loss of range of motion in the legs and hips, and tension may be felt in the hips, buttocks and hamstrings. Most of these sensations are associated with the sciatic nerve and the condition is known as sciatica.
A nerve in the lower back can be pinched for many reasons, but one common cause is a herniated disc in the spine. This is when the spinal disc between two vertebrae ruptures or swells, pressing against the nerve and causing neurological problems throughout the area of the body served by that nerve. Muscle tension and misaligned hips can also cause sciatic nerve pain.
Pain can also occur in the lower back when a patient has a pinched nerve, although the pain may not be a result of the nerve being compressed at all. In some cases, it may be pain caused by the underlying condition that leads to compression of the nerve. A herniated disc can cause pain or discomfort in the lower back, and muscle tension or muscle tears can cause moderate to severe pain in the lower back or buttocks. If the leg muscles become tight or tense, they can also compress the sciatic nerve, which can lead to pain in the buttocks or lower back.
Treatment for a pinched nerve in the lower back varies based on the underlying cause. Muscle strains often heal on their own after some time, provided the sufferer gets plenty of rest and avoids using the muscle for a period of time. A herniated disc will also heal on its own, although surgery may be needed to repair the damaged disc in some cases.
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