Sciatica is usually the result of a pinched nerve, when a protruding disc is putting pressure on a spinal nerve. With sciatica, the pain frequently extends below the level of the knee. A careful evaluation of your medical history and a physical examination will help your health care providers determine if you have acute low back pain. If so, they will work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Additional testing is not usually necessary.
Physical activity is recommended early to promote rapid recovery from back pain.
For moderate to mild back pain, we recommend a near-normal schedule from the onset. Applying ice, then heat is helpful to relax the muscles and decrease muscle inflammation. We generally recommend that you apply ice for the first 48 hours, followed by heat. They relieve pain and decrease muscle inflammation. In many cases, active physical therapy is an essential part of acute back pain rehabilitation.