The sciatic nerve consists of five nerve roots – two from the lumbar spine and three from the final section of the spine called the sacrum. These five nerve roots join to form the longest and thickest nerve in the body – the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs through your hips, buttocks, and thighs, ending just below the knee. It then branches into smaller nerves that run down your leg, foot, and toes. Actual injury to the sciatic nerve is rare, but sciatica commonly describes pain that stems from the lower back and radiates down the leg. The pain associated with Fair Lawn sciatica can be severe, but most cases clear up with treatment.
Symptoms of sciatica
Sciatica pain can be felt along the nerve pathway – from the lower back through the hip, buttocks, and each leg. The pain sensation usually varies from person to person, depending on the cause. The pain may feel like a mild ache or a sharp, shooting, burning pain, while others describe it as a jolt or electric shock. Usually, sciatica pain worsens due to a forced or sudden body movement like sneezing or coughing. The pain also worsens when sitting or standing for extended periods. Sciatica usually affects one side of the body, but the symptoms may occur on both sides. It is a matter of where the nerve is compressed or pinched along the spinal column.
Mild sciatica gradually fades away with time or after trying out self-care measures. Visit your doctor if you have severe pain that lasts over a week and doesn’t improve with self-care measures. Seek immediate care if you have:
- Severe low back or leg pain
- Numbness or muscle weakness in a leg
- Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel movements
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica pain usually results when the sciatic nerve becomes pinched. This can be due to bone overgrowth (bone spurs) or a herniated disc in the spine. Although rare, a tumor can pressure the nerve, or a disease like diabetes can cause nerve damage.
Risk factors for sciatica
- Age. As you grow older, the bone tissues and discs in your spine naturally wear down, causing problems like herniated discs and bone spurs. The changes and shifts in bones, disks, and ligaments put your nerves at risk of being injured or pinched.
- Obesity. Your spine is like a vertical crane, and your muscles are the counterweights. Your spine (crane) has to lift whatever weight you carry in front of your body. The more weight you have, the more your back muscles strain to work, causing pain and other back problems. Losing weight can help take the pressure off your back, reducing the risk of sciatica pain.
- Occupation. Jobs requiring heavy lifting or prolonged sitting increase your risk of low back problems.
- Diabetes. The risk of nerve damage is higher for people with diabetes, making them more likely to develop sciatica.
If you have further questions about sciatica, consult your doctor at Alliance Spine Associates, LLC.
