Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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In this video, Jenay Zelaya, DC discusses common conditions typically associated with sciatica and sciatic-like pain. She also reviews three simple exercises you can do to help relieve sciatic pain.

Sciatica is a symptom of an underlying medical condition—it is not a medical diagnosis in and of itself. The term sciatica describes the symptom of nerve pain that radiates down the leg. You may also experience the following symptoms:

Tingling, numbness or weakness
Pain that originates in the lower back
Pain that travels through the buttock and down the large sciatic nerve in the back of the leg.

The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body—running from the lower back, through the buttock, and splitting to run down the back of the legs. It is responsible for controlling muscle movement in the thigh and other parts of the leg as well. An condition that causes inflammation or irritation to the sciatic nerve can result in pain to the area.

Common conditions resulting in sciatic pain include a herniated disc, lumbar spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, or an injury to the lower back that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica is the name given to pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. Anything that irritates the sciatic nerve can cause pain, ranging from mild to severe. Sciatica is usually caused by a compressed or pinched nerve in the lower spine.

Common causes of sciatica can include a herniated disk and a narrowing of the spine canal (called spinal stenosis). Everyday movement and injury also contribute to conditions that are the underlying causes of sciatica.

Episodes of sciatic pain tend to occur when excess pressure is placed on tight or imbalanced piriformis or hamstring muscles. Sciatica flare-ups can have a number of causes, including:

Prolonged sitting
Sleeping in an awkward position
Sleeping on a mattress that is too soft
Wearing high-heeled shoes
Gaining weight
Engaging in a new physical activity

Sciatic-like pain is very common problem with a multitude of causes. Proper diagnosis can be difficult and — given the limited time many providers have to spend with each patient —usually requires imaging and other costly diagnostic tests. Treatment tends to focus more on affecting the symptoms and not treating the actual condition. Treatment options usually involve rest/limited activity, medications for pain relief, epidural steroid injections, and weeks of therapy.

Because sciatica can be a symptom of several different underlying problems, it’s important to seek care from a skilled musculoskeletal provider. Airrosti providers can help diagnose your injury and identify the specific cause of your symptoms. Your provider will then recommend an individualized treatment plan to eliminate the true source of your pain and prevent future recurrence.

If you’re suffering from sciatic-like pain, schedule your Airrosti appointment today.

Reviewed by Casey Crisp, Doctor of Chiropractic

Disclaimer: Always consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program. If you experience any numbness, tingling or reproduction of your symptoms, please contact your doctor.

Patient Testimonials

Dr. Nino was very helpful in reducing pain from my sciatica nerve. She explained what my treatment plan was during treatments, she explained what she was doing, and why. Then she talked with the physical therapist and discussed which exercises would be the best for my injury. I hope I never injure myself, but if I do, I want to go back to Airrosti and see Dr. Nino.

by April Brian