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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Lumbago and Sciatica?

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Lumbago and sciatica are two different types of lower back pain, with distinct characteristics:

Lumbago:

  • Refers to lower back pain, which can be caused by various factors such as lifting heavy objects, twisting, overstretching, sitting in an awkward position for a long time, or overusing muscles.
  • Usually resolves itself in up to or less than six weeks.

Sciatica:

  • Characterized by pain radiating from the lower back down into the legs.
  • Caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the body and runs from the lower back down both legs to the feet.
  • Often accompanied by symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or burning along the nerve, as well as weakness in the affected leg or foot.
  • Can take three to six months before it resolves itself.

In summary, the main difference between lumbago and sciatica is that lumbago is localized lower back pain, while sciatica is characterized by pain that radiates from the lower back into the legs due to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.

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  • What is the Difference Between Lumbago and Sciatica?
  • Comparative Table: Lumbago vs Sciatica

    • Comparative Table: Lumbago vs Sciatica

    The main difference between lumbago and sciatica lies in their symptoms and causes. Here is a table comparing the two conditions:

    Feature Lumbago Sciatica
    Definition Lumbago refers to pain in the lower portion of the back due to muscle strain. Sciatica refers to radiating pain along the course of the sciatic nerve from the lower back or buttock to one or both legs, associated with lumbosacral nerve root irritation.
    Causes Muscle strain, overexertion, or injury to the muscles and ligaments in the lower back. Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve or lumbosacral nerve root (L4, L5, S1, S2, and S3).
    Symptoms Pain in the lower back, which may be short-term or chronic. Radicular pain in the distribution of the lumbosacral nerve root, sensory impairment, muscular weakness, and reflex impairment.
    Treatment Rest, pain medication, physical therapy, and muscle relaxants. Conservative treatments (opioid and non-opioid analgesics, muscle relaxants, and anticonvulsants) or surgical evaluation for structural abnormalities, such as nerve compression.

    While both conditions can cause pain in the lower back, sciatica is more specifically related to the sciatic nerve and may present with additional neurological symptoms, such as tingling, numbness, and weakness in the legs. Lumbago, on the other hand, is generally caused by muscle strain and typically affects only the lower back region.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.