Sciatic Pain: Where Does It Occur & Why?

Sciatic pain radiates from the lower back and down the back of the leg and typically affects only one side of the body.  This type of pain is called sciatica because the pain occurs along the path of the sciatic nerve — a large nerve which branches out from the lumbar spine (lower back) through the hips and buttocks and down each leg to the foot.

Sciatic Nerve Pain

Sciatic pain can range from being infrequent but irritating, to severe and debilitating. Even for the individual sufferer, the pain sensations can vary widely: from a mild ache to an excruciatingly sharp pain. The pain or discomfort can occur anywhere along the sciatic nerve’s pathway. Sometimes the leg pain is significantly worse than the back pain. The pain can also be accompanied by numbness or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot.

Prolonged sitting can worsen the symptoms, but so can sudden movements like a cough or sneeze.

Sciatic Nerve Pain Causes

Sciatic pain results from a pinching of the sciatic nerve, most commonly in the lower back area. The pinching and irritation can result from many back pain conditions including

• a herniated disc
• spinal stenosis
• a bone spur
• degenerative disc disease
• the stress on the back caused by pregnancy.

Lifestyle factors can also bring on sciatica – things like weight gain, not exercising regularly, working at a non-ergonomics workstation, wearing high heels, or sleeping on a too soft mattress.

Prevention

The American Chiropractic Academy recommends the following to prevent or lessen sciatic pain (and other types of back pain):

• exercise regularly
• use good posture when sitting or standing
• lift heavy items properly (bending only at the knees), or with assistance
• stretch before exercising or other physical activities
• wear comfortable, well-fitted shoes
• maintain a healthy weight
• stop smoking
• work with your chiropractor to understand and implement these lifestyle adjustments

Spinal adjustments and other chiropractic treatments are proven to increase spinal mobility and decrease the pain of sciatica. Dr. Busch, of Busch Chiropractic in Fort Wayne, has treated thousands of patients suffering from a wide range of spinal pain issues. Our patient-centered approach allows him customize the treatment to your specific issues and lifestyle. Don’t let sciatic pain keep you from living the life you love. Call (260) 471-4090 today to schedule an appointment with Busch Chiropractic today and learn how you really can live pain-free!