What Causes Sciatic Nerve Pain

Sciatica: It’s a term you hear a lot when people talk about back pain. But what exactly is sciatica and what causes it? Read on to learn more!

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is caused by the compression of one or both sciatic nerves where they exit the spinal cord on the right and left sides of the lower back. Normally, the sciatic nerves transmit motor and sensory signals to and from your legs. When compressed or pinched, a sciatic nerve can lead to shooting, burning, searing, or radiating pain in the buttocks and leg, along with other symptoms like numbness, tingling, and weakness. Low back pain and stiffness may also occur.

Common Causes of Sciatica

Generally speaking, any condition that narrows the bony opening surrounding the sciatic nerve root where it exits the spine can cause sciatica. We often see sciatica caused by a herniated disc, bulging disc, degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, or lumbar spinal stenosis.

Effective Ways to Prevent or Alleviate Sciatica Pain

Sciatica can make even the most basic day-to-day activities challenging. Here are a few ways you can prevent it:

• Increase your core strength – developing endurance, stability, and coordination in your core muscles stabilizes your spinal joints and can prevent increased pressure on your sciatic nerves.
• Get regular exercise. Sitting and slouching too much can put a lot of strain on the spine as well as weaken your core. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of conditions known to cause sciatic nerve pain and improve whole-body health. Exercise even provides natural pain relief!
• Maintain a healthy weight. Research suggests being overweight can increase the risk of developing sciatica.
• Address any range-of-motion limitations in your hips, shoulders, and ankles. When these joints move well, you can reduce stress on the spine and improve your overall posture and body mechanics.

Sciatica can get better with professional treatment. We offer a range of services and techniques to address the cause of sciatica and alleviate painful symptoms.

Ask Us How We Can Help

Could your pain and dysfunction be related to sciatica? Ask us what we can do to help you! Call now to request your consultation: 614-383-6450.