Lumbosciatica: what it is, how long it lasts and remedies to relieve it

Did you know that lumbosciatica is one of the most common causes of back and leg pain? At Farmaciasdirect, we explain everything you need to know about lumbosciatica and the remedies used to treat it.

What is lumbosciatica?

The word lumbosciatica seems like a combination of lower back pain and sciatica, right? Well, that is exactly what it is.

Lower back pain is a condition involving intense pain in the lower part of the back. Sciatica is pain that spreads through the areas supplied by the sciatic nerve and may extend down the leg. Therefore, lumbosciatica is intense pain that starts in the lower back and may radiate to the buttock and legs.

Lumbosciatica: why does it happen?

Lumbosciatica occurs when there is compression, pressure, irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve at the level of the lumbar spine.

Causes of lumbosciatica

Sciatic nerve involvement in lumbosciatica may be due to:

• Herniated discs.
• Blows, falls, injuries, poor posture, lifting weight incorrectly...
• Slipped vertebrae.
• Narrowing of the spinal canal.
• Degenerative diseases.
• Being overweight.
• A sedentary lifestyle.

Signs of lumbosciatica

The most common symptoms of lumbosciatica are the following:

• Intense, stabbing pain.

• Tingling, burning.
• Muscle weakness in the area, a feeling of numbness.
• Difficulty moving.

These signs or symptoms occur in the areas through which the sciatic nerve extends, so they may appear in the lower back, buttocks, leg and foot.

Lumbosciatica: how long does it last?

The duration of lumbosciatica varies depending on the severity and intensity of the condition, the cause and the treatment. It usually lasts 4-6 weeks if there is appropriate treatment.

If it is left untreated or the treatment is not suitable, it can become chronic.

Medicines for lumbosciatica

What can you take for lumbosciatica? Lumbosciatica should be treated so that it does not worsen or become chronic. For this, the following treatment is usually recommended:

Orally, to treat lumbosciatica, improve it and relieve the symptoms, the use of anti-inflammatory medicines and painkillers to reduce inflammation and pain is usually recommended by mouth. The use of muscle relaxants may also be an option depending on how severe the symptoms are.

We can act locally on the pain by using anti-inflammatory ointments and gels. One of the most recommended remedies for lumbosciatica for topical use because of its benefits is the medicine Voltadol.

Voltadol is a gel applied to the skin over the painful area and, thanks to diclofenac as its active ingredient, it helps reduce inflammation and treat pain. If the pain is more intense, Voltadol Forte can be used, as it has a higher concentration of active ingredient.

Other remedies for lumbosciatica

Some additional measures that should be followed in the treatment of this condition are:

• Choose to apply cold and heat to the area, helping to reduce inflammation and relax the muscles and the nerve.
• You can also do gentle corrective exercise. Even physiotherapy.
• It is advisable to rest relatively during the first few days.

Remember that there should always be medical supervision. If severe back pain persists or gets worse, you should see a doctor.