Q: I have had low back and left leg pain for the past week and a half after feeling something give during a leg and back workout. Someone said that I may have sciatica. What is it and how can I find relief?

A: The main thing is, stop doing everything heavy in your routine until you check it out. That is first… stop doing squats, deadlifts and other heavy workouts for legs and back. The fact that you are naming ONE leg over another and low back pain, means that you are probably suffering from some pull or strain to the sciatic nerve. Ice, rest and do gentle stretches to remain supple and keep from locking up. Ice is crucial. Nerve flushing can rid your body of the pain, but so can stretching and chiropractic adjustment. Keep that area warm, also, by wearing heavier clothes, lying on a heating pad (while awake) and taking anti-inflammatories - such as ibuprofen. If you do take NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) make sure you take a heavy dose once or twice, rather than a constant or low dose. Supplements Biotin and Vitamin E help. Quit squats, minimize the weight you use for most things and If pain persists, have an MRI or more extensive testing done.

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