Part 1 in our sciatica series
Sciatica is a type of nerve pain that starts in the lower back and travels down the leg. Normally down the back, or slightly to the side of the leg. It is often described as sharp, burning, shooting, or electric.
It might surprise you to know that it’s not a condition in itself, but a symptom of irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. So if you have been told you have sciatica you need to ask what is causing it. It doesn’t happen on its own.
Anatomy – The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body. It begins in the lower spine (from nerve roots L4 to S3), passes through the buttocks, and runs down the back of each leg. If it becomes compressed or irritated at any point along its path, the result is what we call “sciatica.”
Common causes of sciatica include:
- Herniated (slipped) disc – a disc presses on the nerve root
- Spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal canal
- Piriformis syndrome – the piriformis muscle in your buttock compresses the sciatic nerve
- Degenerative changes – such as osteoarthritis or spondylosis
- Trauma or repetitive strain – like lifting awkwardly or sitting for long periods
Sciatica can also develop slowly due to poor movement patterns, especially when you’ve been sitting for a long time.
Symptoms
If you have sciatica you might feel:
- Pain in the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Pain that worsens with coughing, sneezing, or sitting
To find out what is causing your sciatica you need a full assessment (both medical history and physical assessment) to understand what’s compressing or irritating your sciatic nerve. Your treatment plan should always address the root cause, whether that’s improving mobility, strengthening muscles, correcting movement patterns, or releasing tension.
The good news is that most people improve without surgery. If you think (or know) you have sciatica, book a free 20-minute consultation with one of our osteopaths or physiotherapists to discuss how hands-on treament, exercises or IDD therapy will work best to help you get back to doing the things you love.