The most common symptom experienced when the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed is sharp shooting pain along the back of the leg. Commonly this pain begins in the hip and can travel down as far as the foot depending on the severity of irritation. Due to the nerve being compromised, numbness, tingling, and pins and needles can also be experienced. Often individuals will also experience lower back pain coinciding with the pain in the leg.
Common causes:
- Lumbar disc injury – Due to the close proximity with the nerve roots, when a disc is injured it can lead to irritation and compression of the sciatic nerve root.
- Spinal stenosis – Narrowing of the spinal column which can lead to compression of the sciatic nerve root.
- Piriformis syndrome – Tightness of the piriformis muscle that then compresses the sciatic nerve as it passes through the gluteal region.
Risk factors:
- Heavy or repetitive lifting – When lifting remember to maintain a stable lower back bend from the knees to get down lower.
- Prolonged periods of sitting – Break up sedentary behaviour regularly by walking around or mobilising your lower back.
- Poor ergonomics and posture – Poor posture, especially over prolonged periods, will put uneven strain on the body and can lead to lower back injuries.
- Progressive wear and tear – Over time your joints will wear and degenerate, the best thing to slow this process is to maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- Being overweight – The more you weigh the more strain you are putting on your joints and tissues.
Treatment and management:
- Manual therapy – A conservative approach to treating sciatica involving muscle and joint manipulation.
- Stretching and exercise – Can aid in the relief of sciatica by decompressing the disc and relieving the piriformis.
- Medication –
- Surgery –
- Cortisone injection –
