Sciatic Nerve Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

By Tim Wall, MS, ATC

Understanding Sciatic Nerve Pain

Sciatic nerve pain, a widespread condition, is pain that travels along the route of the sciatic nerve. This nerve begins in the lower back, referred to as the si nerve, and runs down the back of each leg. Many individuals experience this condition, and a thorough examination by a healthcare professional is required for diagnosis. A JOI Spine Physician would conduct physical tests, consider medical history, and sometimes order imaging tests to determine the cause of the nerve pain from sciatica.

Various strategies are available for managing and treating pain, including medication, physical therapy, and alternative therapies such as laser therapy or dry needling. Prevention involves maintaining a healthy weight, maintaining good posture, and regular exercise to strengthen the back and core muscles.  At JOI, we are here to help you with get rid of sciatic nerve pain and get you back to the activities that you love.

Defining Sciatic Nerve Pain

Sciatic nerve pain, also known as sciatica, is discomfort or pain originating from the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the human body. This nerve extends from the lower back, through the buttocks, legs, and ends in the feet. When the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, it can result in a variety of symptoms, from mild to severe.

The pain follows the nerve’s path, manifesting as a sharp, shooting pain extending from the lower back to the legs and feet. The most common cause of sciatic nerve pain is a herniated disc in the lumbar spine, which can put pressure on the nearby nerve roots, including the sciatic nerve. Other causes include spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, muscle imbalances, and spinal tumors.

Risk factors such as age, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, jobs involving prolonged sitting or heavy lifting, diabetes, and certain medical conditions can increase the likelihood of developing pain from the sciatic nerve. Symptoms can vary, ranging from lower back pain, buttock pain, numbness or tingling in the legs or feet, weakness in the affected leg, difficulty walking or standing, to shooting pain that worsens with movement or prolonged sitting.

What Causes Pain in the Sciatic Nerve?

The quick answer is sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, is a common condition that describes pain radiating down the buttocks, back of the thigh, and lower leg. Typically, this pain originates from the lower back. The sciatic nerve is a large nerve made up of spinal nerves from the lumbar and sacral spinal nerves. These nerves come together into one large nerve to pass through the pelvis and hip region. It splits into smaller nerves around the knee and provides innervation to the lower extremity muscles and sensory receptors.

 

 

 

 

 

This type of pain usually only affects one side of your body. Furthermore, it is usually caused by a herniated disc in the spine, a bone spur, or a narrowing of the spine, also known as spinal stenosis. This type of pain people experiences a prevalent condition in our society. Approximately 8 out of 10 people will suffer severe sciatic nerve pain or lower back issues in their lifetime.

Sciatic Nerve Pain Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis of sciatic nerve pain involves multiple medical tests and examinations to uncover the root cause of the pain. These tests assist your physician in formulating the most effective treatment plan for patients suffering from pain in the sciatic nerve.

A physical examination is a common diagnostic tool, where the healthcare provider evaluates the patient’s range of motion, reflexes, muscle strength, and sensory function. They may also perform maneuvers to elicit pain or discomfort in the affected area to aid in diagnosing nerve pain from sciatica.

In some cases, additional imaging tests like X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. These tests provide detailed images of the spine and enable healthcare professionals to identify any structural abnormalities or herniated discs causing sciatic nerve compression.

It’s crucial to differentiate nerve pain from other similar conditions that present with similar symptoms. Accurate diagnosis is critical as each condition requires different treatment approaches. If you experience symptoms of pain in the sciatic nerve, seek medical attention promptly. While mild cases of sciatica can resolve independently with rest and self-care, severe or persistent pain may necessitate medical intervention.

How Do I Get My Sciatic Nerve Pain to Stop Hurting?

Generally, 80-90% of people get better in a few weeks. Prolonged sitting can cause pain in the sciatic nerve. It often occurs in those with desk jobs, which is a large majority of the current workforce. Here are some tips that may help with your pain.

• Standing up after sitting for a while.
• Trying out a standing workstation.
  • These are becoming more common to help prevent these types of issues.
• One should try not to stay in a seated position for too long but instead stand up and move around often.
• When taking a standing break, complete gentle back extensions a few times.

How Long Does It Take for the Pain to Go Away?

Although this pain can be severe, it usually goes away in about 8 weeks without any surgical intervention. If you have severe nerve pain accompanied by bowel or bladder issues or significant weakness in the leg, you should contact your doctor.

Also, physical therapy can help to improve symptoms quicker. If pain continues after 4 to 6 weeks of physical therapy, your physician may choose to order an MRI to determine if other interventions are needed.  Some patients get relief from injections in this area.  JOI has physicians who work specifically with injections for pain relief from sciatica.

Treating Sciatic Nerve Pain

Nerve pain can be disruptive, impacting the lower back and legs. Fortunately, there are several non-surgical treatment options available to provide relief from the pain sciatic nerve causes.

Physical therapy is often the first line of treatment for sciatic nerve pain. A skilled physical therapist can guide patients through exercises and stretches that alleviate symptoms and improve mobility. These exercises target the muscles and structures potentially compressing the sciatic nerve, reducing pain.

Medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, can help diminish inflammation and alleviate nerve pain from sciatica. In some cases, stronger pain medications or muscle relaxants may be prescribed. It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions and discuss any potential side effects or concerns.

Pain management techniques like heat and cold therapy can provide temporary relief. Good posture, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, and maintaining a healthy weight can prevent further aggravation of the sciatic nerve. If you’re experiencing sciatic nerve pain, consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. The experts at JOI specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, including sciatic nerve pain. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and begin your journey towards pain relief and improved quality of life.

How Can I Relieve Sciatic Nerve Pain at Home?

At home, one can alleviate this type of pain with multiple treatment options. Overall, the goal is to decrease muscle spasms which will help relieve the pain.

• Administer cold and/or hot packs, 2-3 times per day, for about 15–20 minutes.
• Over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, Aleve, Advil/Motrin.  Some patients report relief with Biofreeze or over the counter Voltaren gel.
• Doing gradual exercises and stretching (or positioning)

• Early physical therapy can help decrease pain and improve movement and stabilization of the spine.

Prevention

Sciatic nerve pain, often referred to as sciatica, can be debilitating, impacting daily activities. However, there are steps you can take to avoid the onset or recurrence of this condition. Maintaining a healthy spine, practicing proper posture and ergonomics, and adopting certain exercises and lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of sciatica and prevent recurring episodes of pain in the sciatic nerve.

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for spinal health, as excess weight can cause additional strain on the spine. Regular physical activities such as walking or swimming can strengthen the muscles supporting your spine and reduce the risk of nerve compression.

Proper posture and ergonomics are key in preventing sciatica. When sitting, ensure you sit upright with your feet flat on the floor and your back supported. Avoid crossing your legs and use your legs, not your back, when lifting heavy objects.

Exercises focusing on strengthening your core muscles, like yoga or Pilates, can improve posture and provide spinal support. Good body mechanics, such as bending from your knees when lifting objects, can help protect your back from injury. By adhering to these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk and pain. Always consult with a physician before starting any exercise program, especially if you have a history of back problems or sciatica.

To learn more about stretches for the sciatic nerve, please go to this ARTICLE.

By: Tim Wall, MS, ATC

JOI Rehab

The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute and JOI Rehabilitation have world-class orthopedic spine specialists and physical therapists to treat your pain. JOI has a FAST TRACK Program to help patients receive conservative physical therapy treatment within 24 hours of contacting us. With a physician referral, most insurance companies cover this service.  In conclusion, this allows quick access to the top orthopedic care in the region if a referral is needed. To schedule an appointment for physical therapy, please call 904-858-7045.  JOI is here for you!

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