Sciatic nerve pain occurs when the nerve is pinched by a herniated disk or a bone in the vertebra. Located at the lower end of the spine, the nerve innervates the inner and posterior thigh areas. The nerve also travels through the posterior region down from the lumbar to the heel. There are two sciatic nerves on either side of the body, with each traveling down from the lower back through the buttocks, down the posterior thigh and calf areas, and terminating at the heel. At 2cm wide, the nerve is the largest in the body.
Owing to its size and location, the sciatic nerve is at a high risk of mechanical damage.
Common Sciatica Symptoms
Radiating pain
The first sign is pain. The pain typically radiates from the lumbar downwards towards the heel. The sciatic pain is unlikely to go down; typical sciatic pain is felt at the buttocks, posterior thighs, and sometimes calf areas.
Pain from a damaged nerve can be persistent. The pain can also be impulse-like, with some people reporting feeling jerks of pain that radiates down from the lower back. Sciatic nerve pain can also present as a dull ache. The ache can either be constant or episodic. Some people have reported a burning sensation radiating from the lower spine downwards.
Sciatica pain can worsen when a person sneezes and sits down for a long time. Sciatic nerve pinching the spine supports the torso area or engages in physical activities involving the legs and the back regions.
Numbness of the legs
In advanced cases, sciatic nerve damage can cause numbness in the thigh and leg areas. Typically, sciatica affects one side of the body. Persistent numbness co-occurring with tingling sensations can be a sign of the condition.
Weakness of the legs
The nerve does not directly innervate the leg muscles. However, it indirectly affects the innervation of the posterior thighs and calf areas. Therefore, a weakness in one leg, especially in the thigh and calf area, could indicate sciatica.
Loss of bladder or bowel function
At its worst, sciatica can lead to a partial or total loss of bowel and bladder function. It is rare for sciatica to get to this advanced stage, however. That stated, there are instances where the sciatic nerve is so pressed that muscular actions associated with innervation by the nerve are compromised badly enough to cause bowel or bladder loss of function.
Common causes of Sciatica Pain
Diabetes
Diabetes changes how the body processes sugar. Considering that sugars are needed for energy synthesis through respiration, inefficiency due to diabetes can affect the nervous system. Nerve damage in the lumbar area could, consequently, translate into sciatic nerve damage.
Obesity
The spine is a mechanical structure that supports all internal organs, directly or indirectly. The thoracic area, rib cage, and stomach area are all dependent on the spine for anchoring and support. Excessive weight exerts an additional force on the spine. The consequences could include shifting of the bones that make up the spine. A shift in vertebrae could result in the pinching of the nerve, thereby the occurrence of sciatica.
Age
As people grow older, their organs and body structures start to grow weak. For example, a weakness in the lumbar areas could cause a shift in the bones, leading to the pinching of the sciatic nerve.
Occupation
Work activities that involve moving heavy weights or extended periods of sitting down can cause sciatica. Moving heavy objects exerts pressure on the torso area. The torso area is supported by the spine, with locomotion at the waist being key to carrying weights. It is possible to cause a herniated disc when moving weights, leading to sciatica pain.
Similarly, sitting for extended periods can exert upward pressure on the sciatic nerve roots and lower back from the buttocks area. Again, the pressure can cause a bone spurt to injure the critical nerve.
Sporting activities
Active athletes need to watch out for the sciatica nerve. Weight lifters, especially, are at risk of damaging the lumbar spine by carrying excessive loads and causing spinal stenosis. Sports that involve twisting and turning, such as gymnastics, could also cause sciatica. Contact sports such as football can also cause damage to the nerve roots, especially where collisions to the torso and back areas are common.
Easing sciatic nerve damage without surgery
Sciatica can be resolved without necessarily involving an invasive spinal canal surgical procedure. There are four ways through which that can be done.
Chiropractic care
Chiropractic care involves the use of target mechanical force to correct misalignments in the skeletal structure. A chiropractor will target the misaligned vertebrae and push them back into place for the upper back, middle back, and lumbar regions. The shift will often sciatic nerve pinching relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve, leading to relief from the discomfort and pain.
Massage
Massage is gentler compared to chiropractic care. A massage will soothe the muscle tissue while gently pushing any vertebrae out of place. The message option is preferable for people who have suffered muscular pain.
Physical therapy
This intervention involves movement and exercise. Sometimes the vertebrae or bone affecting the sciatic nerve cannot be reached directly through a massage or a chiropractor’s efforts. In such instances, therapy is recommended. Physical therapy involves the movement of associated muscles and skeletal tissue. The combined movement of the bones and muscles slowly nudges the pressure off the sciatic nerve. Physical therapy is also suitable for people who intend to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent future sciatic nerve pain.
Reach out to New York Spine Specialist for Non- Surgical Sciatic Nerve Pain Treatment
Sciatic nerve damage can negatively affect your quality of life. In addition to the pain and discomfort, sciatic nerve pain can reduce your ability to concentrate at work or school. At New York Spine Specialist, we have the tools and experience to help you find non-surgical relief from sciatic nerve pain. We have a state-of-the-art facility and dedicated competent staff to help you find sciatic pain relief. Book an appointment today for advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
