What is sciatica?

One of the most common terms heard when in a physical therapy clinic or I’m sure you’ve heard amongst family members, or friends is they have sciatica. Well what really is sciatica? What does the sciatic nerve do? How can you avoid it? 

Let’s begin by explaining some terminology.

The sciatic nerve is the largest and thickest nerve in your body (about the width of your finger). The sciatic nerve is created by what are called nerve roots. Which are branches of nerve that originate from the spinal cord and extend away from the spine, into your buttock, and then into both of your legs. 

What is it? What does the sciatic nerve do? 

Nerves are a very important part of human anatomy and physiology. Their job is to send signals to tell your muscles to move, and for telling your brain how/what we feel. 

The sciatic nerve is made up of L4-S3 nerve roots and travels from your low back through the greater sciatic notch of your pelvis, underneath the piriformis muscle. The nerve then courses down the back side of your leg until then branching into two nerves that provide sensation and muscle contraction to the lower leg muscles. 

Compression or irritation of this nerve will cause these common sciatica symptoms:

• Electric-shock like pain 

• Numbness and tingling sensation feeling down your leg

• Pain always down one leg and  traveling down the back of the leg past the knee

• Muscle weakness

• Decreased or change in sensation 

• Decreased reflex response

What can cause sciatica pain?

While every case is different and would require specific evaluation, the most common causes include:

• Disc herniation or protrusion

• Spinal Stenosis

• Swelling in the area of the nerve root from a fall or hit to the area

Sciatica is frequently misdiagnosed which is why it is so important to have an in-depth evaluation of your symptoms and situation like we do here at Optimize U Physical Therapy & Wellness

Some common misdiagnoses include:

• Muscle strain- in leg or low back

• Vascular- such as claudication (blocking of blood vessels)

• Piriformis pain syndrome

What can I do about it? 

First and foremost, it is important to have your pain assessed by your physical therapist or healthcare provider before attempting to treat it on your own. 

Because sciatica can be caused by a variety of different sources as mentioned above, it will be managed differently depending on the source of your problem. 

If you think you have sciatica, an exercise you can try to improve how well your nerve is moving is called a sciatic nerve floss. 

For more information about some of the causes of sciatica symptoms listed in this blog head over to our website and sign up for our free back pain knowledge guide here!

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