Understanding Sciatica
Sciatica causes pain along the sciatic nerve. This nerve is the longest in your body.
Related glossary terms: Disc Herniation, Spinal Decompression, Chiropractic Care.
It starts in your lower back. It runs through your buttocks. It goes down the back of each leg.
Something pressing on this nerve causes pain. You may feel numbness or tingling. This happens in your back, buttocks. Or leg.
The pain can be mild or bad. It may feel sharp, burning. Or like a shock.
Sciatica is not a disease. It is a sign of another problem.
Most times, a herniated disc (a slipped disc) causes it. A bone spur (extra bone) can press on the nerve. Spinal stenosis (a narrow spine) can also cause it.
Tight muscles, pregnancy. Or injury can cause sciatica too. It often goes away with time and care. Knowing the cause helps find the best treatment.
How Sciatica Works?
The sciatic nerve helps your leg muscles move. It gives feeling to your thigh, lower leg. And foot.
When this nerve is pressed, it sends pain signals. The pressure often happens in your lower spine.
Nerve roots leave your spine there. A herniated disc can press on them. This causes swelling and pain.
Sciatica symptoms can change. It depends on where the nerve is hurt.
Some people feel a dull ache. Others feel sharp, shooting pain.
You may feel numbness or tingling. Your leg or foot may feel weak.
Sitting too long can make pain worse. So can coughing or sneezing.
Most times, sciatica hurts just one side. But it can hurt both legs sometimes.
Why Sciatica Matters?
Sciatica can make daily life hard. It can hurt to stand, walk. Or sit.
Pain can stop you from working or exercising. Simple tasks like bending or lifting can hurt.
Without treatment, pain can last long. It can even hurt nerves for good in bad cases.
Getting help early can stop this. It can make pain less and help you move better.
Most people don’t need surgery. Chiropractic care (nerve and spine help) can ease pain.
Physical therapy (exercises for strength) can help too. So can medicine for swelling.
Stretching and strengthening exercises help. Good posture can stop sciatica from coming back.
Knowing about sciatica helps you choose care.
When Sciatica Matters Most?
See a doctor if pain is very bad. Also go if it won’t go away.
Go right away if you can’t control your bladder or bowels. This may mean a serious problem.
Sciatica matters if it stops daily tasks. Pain can get worse if you don’t treat it.
People with certain jobs get sciatica more. Lifting heavy things can cause it.
Sitting too long can cause it too. So can doing the same motions over and over.
Athletes, pregnant women. And people with diabetes get it more. So do people with spine problems.
Knowing the signs helps. Getting care early can stop long-term problems.
