The Sciatic Nerve

The nerve in the human body is located in the lower back, extending from the lower back through the buttock, and into the lower limbs. 

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve structure in your body, and when it becomes injured due to a spinal trauma, can cause excruciating pain throughout your lower body and legs.

Video: Sciatica Pain Relief

Sciatica 

When your sciatic nerve becomes damaged, it is referred to as sciatica, a painful yet common back problem in the United States.  The nerve becomes affected by three primary causes: 

Herniated or Ruptured Disc:  When you suffer a herniated or ruptured disk in your lower back, the ruptured disk or “cushion” can affect the sciatica nerve.  This happens when gel or bone fragments are squeezed out of the disk itself and lend pressure to the nerve.  The nerve reacts by signaling pain to the brain, most often in the legs and lower buttocks region. 

Degenerative Disc Disease:  In this condition, most often occurring in people of advanced age, the disks simply deteriorate and may crumble.  The resulting lack of support from the deteriorated disks and bone fragments irritate and apply pressure to the sciatic nerve system. 

Spinal Stenosis:  People suffering from the condition known as Spinal Stenosis have a narrowing of the spinal column itself over time.  This condition makes the sciatic nerve more prone to trauma as there is limited space for disk movement.  Any slippage or even swelling can easily lend trauma to the nerve in those suffering from this condition. 

Spondylolisthesis:  This genetically passed condition can be present at birth and causes discs to slip laterally in relation to the back's vertebrae in the spinal column.  This slipped disc affects the sciatica nerve in much the same way as a herniated disk does.

Some medical professionals refer to sciatica as a “pinched sciatic nerve” and this is accurate.  The pinching is referred to the pressure applied to the nerve itself by any of the above conditions. 

Real-Life Sciatica Sufferers 

Janice H. from Cincinnati writes:  …”I became aware of my sciatica when I was 43 years old.  My first clue was the pain in my right leg; it was like an electric shock was being applied.  After a diagnosis with my regular doctor I was able to reduce the inflammation with a combination of exercise and cortisone injections into my back.  I have been symptom free for 3 years!” 

Christopher S. from Oakland writes: …”My sciatica was caused by a weight lifting accident.  Doing squats one afternoon I literally felt what can only describe as a “pop” right above my lower back.  When it happened I felt no pain oddly enough- that was to come the next day.  When I awoke the morning after I felt as if I was hit by a dump truck in my sleep, just insane pain in my legs and lower buttocks.  I went to my chiropractor the very same day and he diagnosed my sciatica.  I was unable to lift for a month, and was advise to not lift heavy for 3 months.  Using this rest period plus a lot of ice packs, I am thrilled to say I no longer feel the pain at all.” 

Video: Stretching to Relieve Sciatica

Healing From Sciatica 

While there is no quick fix to the trauma your back suffers during sciatica, fear not, you will get better.  Most patients will never require surgery, and only in severe cases will this even be considered.  Most people will have prescribed a two or even three-pronged recovery plan by their physician.  These will include rest and limited movement for several weeks, physical therapy and strength building exercises, oral and injection anti-inflammatory and steroid drugs, and ice and heat therapies to ease pain and swelling.  The recovery time sciatica depends on your injury and your age, but most people are symptom free within 3-4 weeks when they are under treatment.  Without treatment sciatica will not subside easily and can last for several months or more.