Sciatic Pain: What is Sciatica?

Sciatica pain is the term used to describe discomfort associated with the sciatic nerve. The pain is typically sharp and begins in the buttock and upper thigh region and travels down the back of the leg. This discomfort can radiate behind the knee or all the way down the leg into the toes.

Actually, this is the largest nerve in your body. The nerve begins in the lumbar spinal cord, which is found in the lower back and extends down to bottom of the foot.

Sciatica Symptoms

• Shooting pain behind the leg
• Numbness or dull pain
• Pins and needles or tingling
• Burning sensation
• Cramping in the thigh area

Symptoms can occur either gradually or suddenly. Sometimes the pain is constant or for others it is infrequent.

Often the symptoms can get worse with exercise. Actions that involve twisting such as golf or tennis can create a flare up. Extended periods of sitting can also aggravate the pain.

Causes of Sciatica

Pinched nerves can be a result of a herniated or slipped disc, piriformis syndrome, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis.

Here is the basic breakdown of what is happening with these instances:

• Herniated disc- Once this occur, pressure is put on the nerve root causing the sciatic pain.
• Piriformis syndrome- The piriformis, a small muscle deep within the buttocks, can become tight or have spasms.
• Spinal stenosis- Here the spinal canal begins to narrow and put pressure on the nerves.
• Spondylolisthesis- This is when a vertebra slips and becomes out of line and narrows the opening for the nerve.

Treatment for Sciatica

With the onset of discomfort, begin with these few simple steps. Having sciatic discomfort can be a "real pain in the butt". So try these tips and see if you can stop the pain.

Home treatment of sciatica may be just what you need if you have a minor case. In the first 48 hours, apply ice to the pain to help reduce the inflammation. Begin with 10 minutes on the area, 10 minutes off and repeat for a total of three times. These first few hours are crucial, so start acting fast.

Keep moving, not sprinting, but simply allow for blood flow. Do not stay seated for an extended period of time. Every thirty to forty five minutes stand up and do a short lap around the office. Too much inactivity can create more tightness. Do you feel tighter when you wake up in the morning? This is because the body has tightened from not moving and hopefully once you move about it will begin to loosen. Another option is to try sleeping on a firmer mattress or even the floor if you can stand it.

Do light stretching when your muscles are lose and warm. Try stretching the piriformis muscle, as it has a close relation with the sciatic nerve. For this, sit in a chair with your feet touching the floor. Cross your right leg, so your right ankle is sitting on the top of your left knee. Lean forward while elongating your torso and bending towards your right leg. Hold this position for 10 seconds and repeat a few more times. Then do the same on the left leg. Do what feels comfortable and stretch as far as feels comfortable.

If this gives you no relief, let us know and we will work with you to find the source of the problem. Feel free to give us a call (770-460-1911) and we will be happy to meet with you to discuss a plan to eliminate the sciatic pain.

To learn about the latest non surgical and non invasive sciatic treatment, read more about IDD Therapy.