A Comprehensive Guide to Sciatica From Dr. Brandon Claflin

Sciatica is named after the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the buttock, thigh, and calf on either side of the body. The pain associated with sciatica is generally far worse than an achy pulled muscle or cramp; it’s an extreme, stabbing pain that comes directly from damage to or pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Since so much of our daily lives rely on the movement of our lower bodies, sciatica can affect every part of life, including socializing, work performance, housework, exercise, and hobbies. (Anxiety can affect physical health, too). Unfortunately, it’s quite common — about 40 percent of the U.S. population experience sciatica at some point.

While sciatica can be quite intense, there are treatments available if you know the root cause of your pain. Read on as Dr. Brandon Claflin shares everything you need to know about sciatica, including how it’s treated and what causes it.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is typically a symptom of a larger problem. While sciatic pain can be managed, to truly cure it, the underlying condition must be identified and treated.

Common causes of sciatica include the following:

• A herniated disc
• Pelvic fracture
• Pregnancy
• Spinal stenosis
• Piriformis syndrome
• Degenerative disc disease
• Diabetes
• A slipped disc
  
  

What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica?

If you’ve ever felt sciatic pain, then you know it’s a far cry from normal lower back twinge. However, if you haven’t been diagnosed with sciatica, you may be wondering if your symptoms match up with the condition.

According to Dr. Claflin, one of the hallmark symptoms of sciatica is a sharp pain that radiates from the lower back or hip down through the thigh. However, there are some lesser-known symptoms to be aware of, since not everyone has the tell-tale symptom of leg pain.

Some other symptoms of sciatica include the following:

• Burning or tingling in the leg
• Numbness or weakness in the leg or foot
• Pain that gets worse when bending down, sitting, or standing
• Decreased reflexes in the knee and foot
• Muscle spasms
• Aching sensation in the buttocks and leg
  
  

How Is Sciatica Diagnosed?

If you think you have sciatica, Dr. Claflin says the first step is to mention your thoughts to your primary care doctor. Your healthcare provider will likely perform a physical exam to check your reflexes and learn more about the nature of your pain. They’ll also consider your medical history to see if you have any risk factors for sciatica.

If your doctor needs more information, they might suggest doing some imaging tests like an MRI, X-ray, or CT scan. This can help identify potential causes like a pelvic fracture or herniated disc.

It’s important to get a diagnosis before you pursue any treatments for your pain. Fundamentally, sciatica is a type of nerve pain, which means it must be treated differently than muscle pain. Lower back pain can also be caused by pulled muscles or muscle spasms, so going through the diagnostic process is key to effective treatment.

How Is Sciatica Treated?

If you have sciatica, there are a few routes you can take to find relief. Read on as Dr. Claflin discusses the four different methods of treatment.

At-Home Remedies

If your sciatica is mild, you can try taking some over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen. Alternating hot and cold therapy for 20 minutes at a time can also help lower inflammation, which may help relieve your pain.

Some moderate exercise and stretching can also help ease muscle tension and may help with your pain. Try low-impact exercises like a leisurely walk, swimming, or yoga, and aim for stretches that target the lower back and buttocks.

Finally, it’s important to make sure you aren’t sitting for long amounts of time. When you do sit, make sure you practice good posture and use ergonomic chairs when possible.

Non-Surgical Treatments

If at-home remedies don’t help with your pain or if it comes back repeatedly, you may want to try some non-surgical treatments and alternative therapies. For instance, physical therapy can help strengthen your back and core muscles, which may help take some pressure off of your sciatic nerve. (Look into the different types of physical therapy, too, and ask your provider for more information.)

Chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture may help with sciatic pain. However, it’s important to make sure your pain is not due to a herniated disc or pelvic fracture before you pursue these alternative treatments.

Medications and Procedures

Your doctor may also recommend some medications and procedures to help manage your pain. For instance, they may prescribe muscle relaxants or painkillers, depending on the cause and severity of your pain.

One common procedure recommended for sciatica is a nerve block, which involves injecting medication near a nerve to block pain signals. Your pain management specialist may also suggest corticosteroid injections, which can help reduce inflammation around the sciatic nerve.

Surgical Options

If your sciatica is due to a severe herniated disc, you may need surgery to correct the problem. Even if your sciatica is due to another cause, if everything else fails, surgery may be the last option for long-term pain relief. Common surgeries used to relieve sciatica include microdiscectomy and laminectomy.

The Bottom Line

Sciatica is a shooting pain that occurs in the lower back, buttocks, and leg. Its root cause is pressure on or damage to the sciatic nerve, which can be caused by a number of health conditions. Treatment options include at-home remedies, non-surgical interventions, medications and procedures, and surgery.

Sources:

Research Review: Early Physical Therapy Works for Sciatica | APTA

Diabetes - Symptoms and causes | Mayo Clinic

Muscle spasms: Causes, symptoms, and treatment | Medical News Today 

Herniated Disk (Bulging Disk): Symptoms & Treatment | Cleveland Clinic

Sciatica: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Pain Relief | Cleveland Clinic