Sciatica: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Sciatica is pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, often affecting the lower back, buttock, and leg on one side of the body. Common symptoms include tingling, numbness, burning, weakness, or pain that worsens with certain movements or prolonged sitting.

Sciatica is most commonly linked to age-related changes in the spine, but it can also be caused by conditions such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or piriformis syndrome. During pregnancy, changes in body weight and posture may also increase the risk of sciatic nerve pain.

Sciatica treatment may include medications, stretching exercises, physical therapy, massage, warm compresses, and other therapies to help relieve pain and improve movement. In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans may be needed to identify the cause, while surgery may be considered for more severe conditions.

Sciatica symptoms

The main symptoms of sciatica include:

• Lower back pain that radiates to the buttock or one leg

• Back pain that gets worse when sitting;

• An electric shock-type sensation, tingling, or burning in the buttock or leg

• Difficulty walking due to pain or weakness in one leg

• A feeling of heaviness in the leg

If you think you may have sciatica, it is important to see a healthcare provider for an evaluation. The provider may recommend imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to identify the cause and determine the most appropriate treatment.

Online symptoms quiz

If you think you might have sciatica, select your symptoms below:

This symptom checker is only a tool and is not meant to diagnose any condition or take the place of an appointment with your healthcare provider.

Confirming a diagnosis

Sciatica is usually diagnosed by a healthcare provider based on your symptoms and a physical exam. One common test involves lying on your back while the provider raises the affected leg without bending it.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, this straight-leg raise test may help detect an irritated nerve root. If the nerve is compressed or inflamed, this movement may trigger pain or tingling in the back and/or affected leg.

The provider may also order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to evaluate the spine and help determine the cause of the pain.

What is the sciatic nerve?

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body. It is formed by the joining of smaller nerves that emerge from the lower part of the spine.

The nerve runs through the buttocks and down the back of the thigh to the knee. At that point, it divides into two branches that continue through the legs and feet.

What causes sciatica?

Sciatic nerve pain is most commonly caused by compression and inflammation of the sciatic nerve due to age-related changes in the spine.

However, it may also result from vertebral misalignment, narrowing of the spinal canal, a herniated disc, or excessive tightening of the gluteal muscles.

People who perform frequent glute-strengthening exercises may develop sciatica because of increased muscle tension in the area.

In addition, contraction of the piriformis muscle, located in the buttock, can compress the sciatic nerve and cause symptoms. This condition is known as piriformis syndrome.

Although less common, sciatic nerve pain may also be caused by tumors, hematomas, or abscesses that develop along the path of the nerve.

Sciatica during pregnancy

Sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy is mainly due to weight gain, belly growth, and changes in the body’s center of gravity. If you suspect sciatica during pregnancy, it is important to consult your OB-GYN or midwife.

When recommended by a healthcare provider, treatment may include stretching exercises, warm compresses, and anti-inflammatory creams or ointments applied to the painful area.

Also recommended: Sciatica Stretches: 8 Stretches & Exercises for Sciatic Pain tuasaude.com/en/sciatica-stretches

Sciatica treatment

The main options for sciatica pain relief include:

1. Medications

Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be recommended for sciatic nerve pain. In more severe cases, tramadol may also be prescribed.

Other medications, such as muscle relaxants and diazepam, may be recommended. A vitamin B complex supplement may also be used to help support nerve health. Read more about other sciatica medications your healthcare provider may prescribe.

2. Massage

Massage therapy can be a helpful treatment option for an inflamed sciatic nerve because it helps relax the muscles of the back, legs, and buttocks, reducing pressure on the nerve.

Massage should be performed by a qualified massage therapist or physical therapist. It should be used as part of a broader treatment plan and not as a replacement for medical care.

3. Exercises

Prolonged rest may worsen sciatica pain, so light exercise can help relieve symptoms. According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, people with low back pain with or without sciatica should be encouraged to continue normal activities when possible.

In the early stages, stretching exercises are usually recommended, such as lying on your back and gently hugging your knees toward your chest.

After the first week of physical therapy, strengthening exercises may be recommended. Examples include lying on your back with your knees bent and squeezing a pillow between your legs, or lifting your hips and buttocks off the floor while keeping your knees bent.

4. Warm compresses

Applying warm compresses to the affected area may help relax tight muscles, reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve, and relieve pain.

5. Physical therapy

Treatment for sciatic nerve inflammation or compression often includes physical therapy sessions using specialized equipment and exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles.

These techniques may improve blood flow around the sciatic nerve and help relax the muscles of the buttocks and legs.

When sciatica is associated with poor posture, a physical therapist may also recommend a treatment known as Global Postural Reeducation (GPR).

This treatment focuses on correcting posture and stretching muscles that contribute to postural imbalances.

6. Diet

During a sciatica flare-up, it may be helpful to prioritize anti-inflammatory foods such as salmon, garlic, onions, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and sesame seeds.

It is also important to reduce the intake of foods that may promote inflammation, especially processed meats such as hot dogs, sausage, and bacon.

7. Alternative treatments

Other therapies that may complement treatment include acupuncture and reflexology, which can help relieve pain and discomfort.

Osteopathy may also be beneficial. It involves techniques that stretch muscles and mobilize joints.

8. Spinal surgery

Spinal surgery is a less common treatment option but may be necessary to correct spinal abnormalities that cause compression and inflammation of the sciatic nerve, such as a herniated disc that does not improve with other treatments or tumors.

How to prevent it from coming back

To help prevent future episodes of sciatica, you should:

• Regularly perform stretches that target the leg and spinal muscles

• Avoid a sedentary lifestyle, as lack of movement may worsen symptoms

• Exercise regularly, such as walking, Pilates, or water aerobics, to strengthen and stretch the muscles

• Maintain proper posture, even while sitting

• Stay within a healthy weight range for your height

In addition, it is important to keep your abdominal muscles strong to support the spine. This may help reduce the risk of sciatic nerve inflammation and future symptoms.

Also recommended: Ab Workouts: 10 At-Home Exercises for Well-Defined Abs tuasaude.com/en/ab-workouts