Sciatica happens when the nerves in the lower back area extending into the legs become irritated or damaged. These nerves can become compressed due to multiple conditions, like a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or physical injuries. When this happens, it can cause severe pain, numbness in the legs or lower back, and weakness.

A herniated disc occurs when an intervertebral disc becomes damaged or displaced, leading to nerve irritation and lumbar pain. A herniated disc may be caused by degenerative wearing due to aging but also by physical injuries because of incorrect lifting techniques or trauma.

Cervical facet joint arthritis is a degenerative condition that wears down the joints located in the cervical spine around the neck. As the bones start creating friction with each other due to cartilage deterioration, symptoms like stiffness, pain, and headaches start to appear.

As the condition worsens, it could irritate the sciatic nerves in the spinal cord. A characteristic sign of this development is the radiation of pain from the neck into the lower back and legs. 

Degenerative disc disease occurs when the intervertebral discs in charge of absorbing shock and adding flexibility to the spine wear down due to age and physical activity. When this happens, the area available for the spinal nerves within the spinal cord reduces, leading to pain and discomfort.

Spinal stenosis occurs when there is increased pressure on the spinal nerves due to the narrowed spaces between the bones in the spine. Symptoms that characterize spinal stenosis include pain in the lower back or legs when standing or walking and difficulty with balance and coordination. 

A pinched nerve happens when a spinal nerve becomes compressed by pressure due to a correlated condition or physical trauma. When this happens, the normal functioning of nerves becomes interrupted and sends pain signals into the brain. Some common symptoms of a pinched nerve include tingling, numbness, and weakness.

Radiculopathy is often characterized by the irritation of the spinal nerve roots due to a herniated disc or conditions like spinal stenosis. However, the symptoms may appear in multiple areas of the spine. Radiculopathy is commonly associated with neck pain.

Some of the most common signs include weakness, numbness, and tingling in the affected area. Recognizing these common symptoms is crucial for a prompt diagnosis and treatment plan.

Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain, or SI pain, is characterized by discomfort or pain in the sacroiliac joints. The sacroiliac joints are located in the lower back, connecting the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) to the ilium bones of the pelvis.

Sacroiliac joint pain is often associated with pain in the sacroiliac joints. These are located in the lower lumbar region and connect the base of the spine (the sacrum) to the ilium bones of the pelvis. They transfer forces between the upper and lower body when walking or running.

When back pain lasts for more than three months, it is considered a chronic condition. This type of chronic discomfort targets the lumbar region, including the back and legs. Back pain can affect people from all stages of life and can severely impact daily activities and quality of life.

Chronic back pain is a condition that affects 8 out of 10 people in the U.S. It can lead to mobility problems, decreased productivity, and sometimes, disability. 

Multifidus muscle dysfunction occurs when the multifidus muscles located along the spine become impaired due to injuries, degenerative conditions, or habits. It's usually characterized by lumbar pain, weakness, and limited mobility. 

The multifidus muscles are crucial for spinal stability and alignment. They are in charge of providing support and control when moving the upper torso. These muscles also reduce the risk of injuries since they prevent extra stress on the spine.