Low back pain is incredibly common. In the UK, it is estimated that 10 million people are affected in a year, and over 619 million people worldwide. It accounts for 40% of time off work- that’s 31 million lost work days. It is the most common reason for GP consultations. It’s also estimated that low back pain costs the UK £10-12 billion in healthcare and lost work days every year. It is one of the leading causes of disability and nearly 60% of all adults will have at least one episode in their lifetimes.

However, it is not all bad news- 90% of all cases are described as Non-Specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP) which means there is no underlying cause. It’s also referred to as mechanical, musculoskeletal or simple low back pain. NSLBP usually resolves over the course of a few weeks, and can be managed at home with gentle activity (walking, swimming, Pilates or yoga) stretching and over-the-counter medications.

However, there are some red flag symptoms that require urgent medical attention. These include loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the genitals, unexplained weight loss, fever, or history of cancer. If you experience any of the symptoms described here, you should go directly to A&E for urgent assessment.

The risk factors for NSLBP include poor posture, inactivity, obesity, and occupational factors (lifting or prolonged sitting). Stressful life events and depression can also be factors.

Sciatica is much less common, with a lifetime prevalence of between 13-40%. It is defined as radiating leg pain caused by inflammation or compression of the L4-S3 nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs from the spine, through the back of the hip, down the back of the thigh and lower leg as far as the ankle. The symptoms are usually one-sided, with the leg pain described as worse than the low back pain.

Sciatica most commonly affects the 40-60 age group as it is caused by normal age-related changes to the low lumbar discs, most commonly L5-S1. The disc can bulge or become thin, putting pressure on the sciatic nerve and causing symptoms. The sciatic nerve can become compressed as it passes through the piriformis muscle at the back of the hip, deep in the buttock.

Sciatica in pregnancy can affect up to 17% of pregnant women. It is caused by the baby growing into the pelvis, as well as the postural changes and weight gain of pregnancy, together with the increase in production of a hormone called relaxin that serves to soften the ligaments to aid the birth process, but can cause instability in the spine at a time when the demands on the spine are increasing.

At The Performance Clinic, our expect team can provide expert evaluation and treatment of NSLBP, sciatica and sciatica in pregnancy, as well as providing advice for managing your symptoms between treatments, and for preventing further episodes.