The largest nerves in your body is the sciatic nerve. According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), "The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the body, running from the lower back through the buttocks and down the back of each leg. It controls the muscles of the lower leg and provides sensation to the thighs, legs, and the soles of the feet."
Issues with the sciatic almost never occur between 30-50 years of age. Some pregnant women may develop issues with the sciatic nerve due to the extra pressure or weight on the nerve area. The pressure on the nerve can be age- or injury-related.
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, other causes of sciatica may include:
• Tumors
• Piriformis syndrome (a pain disorder involving the narrow muscle in the buttocks)
• Slipped disk
• Pelvic injury or fracture
In the article for Spine-Health.com, author Dr. Stephen H. Hochschuler stated the following are symptoms of sciatica:
• A sharp pain that may make it difficult to stand up or to walk
• Burning or tingling down the leg (vs. a dull ache)
• Constant pain in only one side of the buttock or leg (rarely can occur in both legs)
• Weakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg or foot
• Pain that is worse when sitting
• A constant pain on one side of the rear
The sciatic nerve generally doesn’t require extensive treatment as the symptoms usually subside. However, at-home treatments include an over-the-counter pain reliever (Advil, Motrin IB, Tylenol, etc) and ice. Bed rest is not recommended and can actually make the issue worse. However you should reduce your exercise program for a few days. Once the sciatic nerve pain subsides, add or increase flexibility exercises for your back and strengthening exercises of your stomach.
If your pain does not decrease after a few weeks, your doctor may give you an injection to reduce the swelling. For those with disabling leg pain, usually after three months or more, surgery may be a final option.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, "Approximately 80 to 90 percent of patients with sciatica get better over time without surgery."
Prevention is the key with sciatica. The ACA recommends the following prevention tips if you have or want to prevent issue with the sciatica nerve:
• Use good body mechanics when lifting
• Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest
• Maintain a healthy diet and weight
• Maintain proper posture
• If you smoke, seek help to quit
• Exercise regularly
References:
Sciatica. American Chiropractic Association. Retrieved October 21, 2011, from http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=3127
Sciatica - PubMed Health. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved October 31, 2011, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001706
Sciatica - Your Orthopaedic Connection - AAOS. AAOS - Your Orthopaedic Connection. Retrieved October 31, 2011, from http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00351
Sciatica: What You Need to Know About Sciatica. Back Pain, Neck Pain, Lower Back Pain | Spine-Health. Retrieved October 31, 2011, from
http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/what-you-need-know-about-sciatica
Reviewed October 31, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith