Sciatica is a painful condition that can develop gradually or just suddenly appear. Often, it can be best described as an excruciating, shooting pain from your lower back, through your buttock, and down your leg. Sometimes you might also feel an uncomfortable numbness, tingling or burning sensation down your leg that may extend into your toes. The pain from sciatica makes it almost impossible to sit or stand comfortably.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of adults in the United States suffer from obesity. Being overweight puts you at a greater risk for many health issues including back pain. If you have back problems and are overweight or obese, your doctor will usually recommend reducing your weight as part of your individualized treatment plan.

It’s a new year and a new beginning! Have you thought about the resolutions you will be making for the coming year?

If you suffer from back pain, you may want to consider the following these five changes that could help reduce or end back pain and improve your quality of life.

If your back hurts when you sit, you're not alone. Many people experience lower back pain from sitting at a desk all day or from driving for long periods. While you might feel like your body is resting because you are not on your feet, your spine would beg to differ. While you sit, almost every muscle in your body relaxes but the ones that stop you from falling forward or to the side. The result is that extra pressure is placed on your lumbar discs.

If you’ve been told that the back or neck pain that you are experiencing is from spinal degenerative disease, you might be initially confused because the term can refer to one of several conditions that affect the spine. The conditions that fall under the category of spinal degenerative disease may be caused by normal wear and tear that is associated with aging. However, some patients might experience premature wear and tear because of activities that have put more strain on their backs or necks.

When you have lower back pain, you might feel that the best thing you can do to reduce your pain is to rest. However, that will not put you on the best road to recovery. It is in your best interest to keep moving. It might seem counterintuitive to exercise, but it is one of the best things you can do to relieve your pain. By focusing on strengthening your core muscles, your lower back will benefit from added support, which will reduce your lower back pain.

Playing golf can put a lot of strain on your spine. However, if you have an existing back or neck condition, the pain can often become unbearable and prevent you from playing the game you love. This does not have to happen to you. Pro golfer Marco Dawson is living proof that laser spine surgery can stop your pain and allow you to keep playing.

You have worked hard all your life. Now that you are retired, you have more time to devote to the activities you enjoy like golf, traveling or just keeping up with your grandkids. If you are experiencing lower back pain, you might not be enjoying your retirement as much as you had expected. Chronic back pain may hinder your ability to do the things you want to do.