Sciatica
The Sciatic Nerve
Sources of Sciatica Pain
The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in the body. It is a bundle of nerves from five nerve roots that branch off the spinal cord. A sciatic nerve on each side of the body innervates a significant portion of the skin and muscles in the thigh, leg and foot.
Sciatica is nerve pain that results from injury, irritation, pinching or compression to the sciatic nerve. Sciatica results in pain, tingling or numbness in the back or butt and can radiate down the leg. Sciatica is a prevalent condition that causes mild to severe pain. 40% of people in the US will experience sciatic pain at some point in their life, but it’s rare before the age of 20 unless injury-related.
Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms and Causes
Sciatica symptoms include numbness or a burning pain that radiates down the leg on the affected side. People with sciatica may also experience paresthesia, a tingling pain similar to pins and needles.
When the sciatic nerve becomes severely damaged, you may lose muscle control. That is why muscle weakness and incontinence are symptoms requiring immediate medical attention.
Certain conditions can cause sciatica, including herniated disks, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, pregnancy and tumors. Risk factors for sciatica include a new or old injury, obesity and lack of physical activity.
Age and wear and tear are also factors. As we age, people are more prone to pinched nerves, herniated disks or other conditions that can cause sciatica.
Healing from Sciatica
Recovery Tips and When to Seek Help
Most people recover from sciatica on their own with rest, ice, heat and stretching. Sometimes, complications can result in permanent nerve damage and loss of feeling in the affected area. Chronic muscle weakness can also occur. Drop foot is a chronic muscle complication that makes normal walking impossible. People with severe sciatic symptoms should seek medical attention to help prevent long-term damage.
Acupuncture offers a holistic approach to treating sciatica. It stimulates endorphins, which reduce pain. It can help reduce inflammation, relieve muscle tightness and enhance blood flow, promoting healing. If you are experiencing sciatic pain, consider acupuncture as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
