Sciatica Pain – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments!

Sciatica  is referred to as pain  located in the lower back that can often extend into one of the legs and through the buttocks. This throbbing sensation can be quick or can last for a few weeks. In most cases, this pain will affect only one of the legs, but rarely both, due to the underlying cause of this problem.

The name is derived from the nerve that causes this pain, the sciatic nerve. When this nerve is impacted or affected in some way, the pain will show up at some level of severity. For many people, the pain is only temporary, but recurring problems with sciatica are common and often worse if left untreated.

Causes of sciatica pain: 

Sciatic pain is directly caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, but this pressure can be the result of various reasons such as muscle knots, herniated discs, piriformis muscle irritation, hamstring syndrome, joint dysfunction, and posture problems, among others. . The direct cause of sciatica can be difficult to diagnose as this problem can be a combination of more than one factor.

1. Or muscular:

Most sciatic problems arise from muscle knots in the lower back, which can put pressure on the sciatic nerve. This can be caused by an excessive amount of exercise, muscle inflammation, bending or lifting in awkward postures.

2. Posture problems:

If you squat regularly or have an incorrect back posture, you are putting excess strain on your back muscles, which can become inflamed and put pressure on the sciatic nerve.

3. Pregnancy:

Many women experience pain in their legs and buttocks during pregnancy, but this is a form of sciatica . The fetus places excess pressure on the abdomen as certain organs and tissues move to accommodate themselves in the uterus. This will usually result in pressure on the nerve, resulting in pain in either leg.

4. Muscle spasms: 

Muscle spasms can be caused by many factors, from nutrient deficiency to irritating injuries, but these types of spasms can be unexpected and can cause your back to sprain.

5. Lumbar spinal stenosis:

In this condition, the spinal canal narrows near the lower back, causing spinal nerves to be strangled in the lower back. This will lead to irritation and pain in the sciatic nerve.

6. Washed discs:

Most people think that this is the main cause of sciatica , but this is not true. When an intervertebral disc starts to shift out of location, it will squeeze some gaps in the vertebrae and can put pressure on the sciatic nerve.

7. Piriformis Muscle: 

At the bottom of the buttocks is the piriformis muscle, and it is located near the area where the sciatic nerve passes into the legs. In case the sciatic nerve and piriformis muscle are in contact, or the nerve grows through the muscle, the symptoms of sciatica will be very high.

Symptoms of sciatica pain:

 As mentioned above, the most common symptoms are pain in the buttocks and legs. The other common symptoms are numbness in the buttocks, weakness in the legs, back pain, hip pain, and difficulty standing.

1. Leg weakness:

One of the most common symptoms of sciatica is slight muscle weakness or impairment in the leg, as if the hamstring muscles are not working properly.

2. Hip pain:

Although the pain is typically located in the buttocks and legs, it can cause some irregularities while walking, which will result in inflammation in the tendons near the hips.

3. Get up: 

You may find it difficult to get up if you suffer from sciatica , as this type of nerve pain can weaken your legs’ contraction abilities. Therefore, sitting for a long time can be painful, as can getting up.

4. Lower back pain:

Mild lower back pain is not uncommon with sciatica and can be one of the first indications that the nerve is being hit, even before the lower effects on the legs and buttock.

5. Numbness:

You may feel numbness in the back of your thighs or buttocks, or tingling in your toes and feet.

Treatments for sciatica pain:

As sciatica is so popular, several treatment options have been developed. Treatments include heat therapy, pain relievers, steroid injections, acupuncture, chiropractor restructuring, and massage.

1. Analgesics: 

Painkillers will help mask symptoms and make life more manageable, but medication will not solve this problem.

2. Steroid injections:

 These injections can strengthen the surrounding muscle and reduce inflammation in the lower back, but they cannot be controlled very often.

3. Acupuncture:

Acupuncture treatments can help redirect energy flow and boost nerves in the back, as well as “untangle” muscle lumps and relieve many of the common sciatic symptoms.

4. Chiropractor: 

Chiropractors are often used to realign the discs out of place and “adjust” the back, which can reduce tension and pressure on various nerves, keeping the spine straight and the legs pain-free.

5. Massage:

The most popular treatment for sciatica is a massage therapy on the lower back, buttocks and legs as this will help relieve muscle inflammation and stimulate the healing process in the area.

6. Hot and cold therapy:

Alternating hot and cold compresses at the site of your sciatica can help the muscles adjust, the nerves will be soothed, and will generally lessen the pain and swelling in your back.

Home remedies for sciatica pain: 

Many people prefer home remedies for sciatica over injections, pharmaceuticals, or formal treatments such as turmeric , valerian root, and fenugreek seeds .

1. Valerian root: 

This legendary herb can be consumed in tea form as it is packed with anti-inflammatory and relaxing compounds and is also known to minimize nerve pain.

2. Saffron: 

The anti-inflammatory properties of this herb, thanks to its active ingredient, curcumin, can be made into a paste and applied directly to the lower back, which can relieve sciatica .

3. Quality of sleep:

Sleeping on an unsuitable mattress that is too hard or too soft can lead to muscle strain and strain on the sciatic nerve.