Sciatica

Know Everything From Causes, Symptoms, To Treatment

Jump to

Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Our Providers

Sciatica affects up to 40% of people^[1] at some point in their lives, making it one of the most common causes of lower back and leg pain. The condition can disrupt daily life, limiting mobility and making even simple tasks like walking, sitting, or bending unbearable. For many, sciatica’s impact goes beyond physical discomfort, affecting mental well-being and productivity.

With its prevalence and potential to interfere with one’s quality of life, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options of sciatica is crucial for effective management and recovery.

Understanding The Sciatic Nerve

The sciatic nerve is the body’s largest and longest nerve^[1]. It runs from the lower back down through each leg. It originates from the lumbar spine (L4-L5) and sacral spine (S1-S3) and branches into smaller nerves that extend to the feet. It connects the spinal cord to the lower limbs, enabling movement and sensation in the thighs, knees, calves, ankles, and feet.

How Sciatica Affects The Sciatic Nerve

Sciatica refers to pain that develops when the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed. Sciatica pain can occur due to conditions like a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or even prolonged sitting. The pain often radiates from the lower back down through the hips and legs, sometimes reaching the feet.

Sciatica doesn’t just cause pain—it can also lead to tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness in the affected leg. These symptoms can make walking, climbing stairs, or even sitting uncomfortable. Additionally, there are different types of sciatica, depending on the underlying cause and what part of the nerve is affected.

Different Types Of Sciatica

Sciatica isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition—it can manifest in different ways depending on its cause, duration, and the area of the nerve affected. Identifying the type of sciatica is crucial for tailoring treatment and managing symptoms effectively. Below are three common types of sciatica:

Acute sciatica: Sudden onset, lasting days to weeks. Often caused by an injury or herniated disc. Typically resolves with rest, medication, or physical therapy.
Chronic sciatica: Lasts over three months with recurring pain, weakness, or numbness. Requires long-term management, including therapy and lifestyle changes.
Alternating sciatica: A rare form where pain switches between legs. Often linked to spinal issues or sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

Recognizing Common Signs And Symptoms

Sciatica presents with a range of symptoms, which can vary in location and intensity based on the severity or type of the condition. Key signs include:

Radiating Nerve Pain

Radiating nerve pain from compression or damage may cause tingling, weakness, or numbness in the limbs.

Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain may result from degeneration, nerve issues, or strain, impacting posture and mobility.

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain may arise from strain, disc issues, or nerve compression, often limiting movement.

Chronic Leg Pain

Chronic leg pain may result from nerve, circulation, or joint issues, often affecting comfort and mobility.

Muscle Weakness

Muscle weakness may stem from nerve, muscle, or joint issues, making movement and activity more difficult.

Joint Stiffness

Reduced flexibility in joints due to nerve irritation or inflammation.

Muscle Spasms

Muscle spasms are sudden contractions from nerve issues, dehydration, or fatigue, causing pain and stiffness.

Pain With Movement

Pain with movement may stem from joint, nerve, or muscle issues, making activity more difficult.

Localized Pain

Localized pain in one area may result from injury, inflammation, or nerve issues, impacting movement.

Buttock Pain

Buttock pain may result from sciatica, muscle strain, or joint issues, often limiting movement and comfort.

Tingling And Numbness

Restricted range of motion may result from stiffness, inflammation, or damage, making movement difficult.

Stiff Hips and Pelvis

Stiffness in the hips or pelvis may result from degeneration, inflammation, or tight muscles, limiting movement.

Foot Drop

Foot drop is a symptom where lifting the front of the foot becomes difficult due to nerve or muscle dysfunction, leading to an altered gait.

Restricted Range Of Motion

Difficulty moving the neck, back, or affected limbs due to pain or stiffness.

Difficulty Standing Or Walking

Difficulty standing or walking may result from muscle, joint, or nerve issues, affecting daily mobility.

Loss Of Balance

Loss of balance may stem from nerve, muscle, or vestibular issues, raising fall risk and affecting mobility.

Exploring Root Causes Of Sciatica

Sciatica stems from conditions that irritate or compress the sciatic nerve, often leading to pain and other symptoms. Understanding these root causes can help identify effective ways to prevent and manage the condition. They include:

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of sciatica, occurring when the spinal discs wear down over time. DDD can lead to nerve compression, resulting in pain, tingling, or numbness along the sciatic nerve. Factors such as aging, repetitive strain, or a sedentary lifestyle can accelerate disc degeneration.

Injuries

Injuries such as falls, car accidents, or sports-related trauma can lead to sciatica by directly compressing or irritating the sciatic nerve. Common examples include fractures, herniated discs, or muscle strains in the lower back or hips. Even minor injuries can cause significant nerve pain, tingling, or weakness.

Bone Spurs

Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are bony growths that develop on the spine due to wear and tear or arthritis. These bone spurs can press on the sciatic nerve, causing numbness, tingling, or pain in the lower back, hips, and legs. Often linked to aging or joint degeneration, bone spurs can exacerbate sciatica symptoms over time.

Poor Posture

Sitting or standing with improper alignment can strain the lower back and irritate the sciatic nerve over time. Activities like slouching at a desk, hunching over a phone, or carrying uneven loads can exacerbate the problem. Chronic poor posture may lead to muscle imbalances, increased pressure on spinal discs, or nerve compression.

Heavy Lifting

Improper heavy lifting can strain the lower back and lead to sciatica. Sudden, awkward movements or lifting without proper technique may cause herniated discs or muscle injuries that compress the sciatic nerve. Frequent heavy lifting, especially without adequate rest or strength training, increases the risk of long-term nerve irritation.

Obesity

Obesity can contribute to sciatica by placing excess strain on the spine and increasing the risk of conditions like spinal stenosis or herniated discs. The added weight compresses the lower back, potentially irritating the sciatic nerve. Carrying extra weight may also affect posture and mobility, compounding the pressure on the spine.

Pregnancy

A growing uterus and hormonal changes place additional pressure on the lower back and pelvic area. This compression may irritate the sciatic nerve, causing pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates down the leg. Shifts in posture, weight gain, and changes in the body’s center of gravity can exacerbate these symptoms.

How Physicians Recognize Sciatica

Diagnosing sciatica involves a thorough evaluation to identify the root cause and create an effective treatment plan. Here’s what you can expect during the process:

Medical history review: Your physician will ask about symptoms, medical history, and potential triggers like injuries or lifestyle habits.
Physical exam: The physician will assess muscle strength, reflexes, and areas of pain or numbness. They may also evaluate movements like walking on heels or toes.
X-rays: X-rays detect structural issues like bone spurs or spinal alignment problems.
MRI or CT scans: Provide detailed images of the spine to identify herniated discs or other conditions compressing the sciatic nerve.
Electromyography (EMG): Measures nerve activity to pinpoint damage or compression.

A comprehensive diagnosis is critical to guiding treatment and ensuring effective relief tailored to your needs.

Potential Dangers Of Delayed Treatment

Ignoring sciatica or delaying treatment can lead to worsening symptoms and long-term complications. While mild cases may resolve on their own, untreated sciatica caused by underlying conditions can progress, causing significant harm. Below are some potential consequences of untreated sciatica that highlight the importance of seeking timely medical care.

Chronic pain: Untreated sciatica can lead to persistent pain, making daily activities increasingly difficult.
Nerve damage: Prolonged nerve compression may result in permanent loss of sensation or function.
Muscle weakness: Ongoing nerve irritation can weaken muscles in the legs or feet.
Loss of mobility: Limited movement due to pain can reduce overall flexibility and strength.
Progression of underlying conditions: Issues like herniated discs or spinal stenosis may worsen without proper care.
Reduced quality of life: Chronic discomfort can affect mental well-being and productivity.
Risk of complications from ineffective treatments: Delayed care may lead to reliance on unproven or harmful remedies.
Increased need for surgery: Ignoring symptoms may necessitate more invasive treatments later.
Incontinence (loss of bowel/bladder control): Rare but serious; this can occur with severe nerve compression and requires immediate attention.

We provide evidence-based treatments for sciatica.

At Compass Pain and Wellness, our goal is to address your pain’s underlying cause and improve your quality of life. We take a personalized, comprehensive approach to sciatica care, starting with conservative, non-invasive treatments and progressing to minimally invasive options as needed. We only recommend surgery after exploring all other methods.

Compass Pain and Wellness is committed to providing personalized, evidence-based solutions to address your pain and support your recovery. Don’t let sciatica hold you back—take the first step today and explore the path to lasting relief. Reach out to our team to schedule a consultation and start your journey to wellness. Our treatments include:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture stimulates targeted points on the body to reduce pain, support healing, and restore energy balance.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care improves spinal alignment and joint function to reduce pain and enhance physical mobility.

Massage

Massage therapy eases muscle tension and improves circulation to support pain relief and overall well-being.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation help manage chronic pain by reducing stress and promoting emotional resilience.

Nerve Block

Nerve blocks interrupt pain signals from specific nerves to reduce chronic or procedure-related discomfort.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy improves strength, flexibility, and mobility while addressing pain from injury or chronic conditions.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation targets specific nerves to interrupt pain signals and provide lasting pain relief.

Spinal Cord Stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation delivers electrical pulses to block nerve pain and reduce discomfort in the back or limbs.

Trigger Point Injections

Trigger point injections treat muscle knots by relaxing tense tissue and relieving localized pain or stiffness.

Joint Injections

Joint injections deliver medication into affected joints to relieve inflammation and improve range of motion.

Epidural Steroid Injection

Epidural steroid injections reduce spinal inflammation to ease pain radiating from nerve compression or irritation.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Peripheral nerve stimulation sends mild electrical signals to disrupt chronic pain from damaged peripheral nerves.

Intracept

Intracept targets nerves inside the vertebrae to relieve chronic low back pain linked to vertebral endplate changes.

Sacroiliac Joint Fusion

SI joint fusion stabilizes the pelvis to relieve lower back or hip pain caused by joint dysfunction or instability.

Medication Therapy

Medication therapy uses tailored prescriptions to reduce chronic pain and improve daily function and comfort.

Possible Injuries That May Lead To Sciatica

Certain injuries can irritate or compress the sciatic nerve, leading to the development of sciatica. These injuries often stem from accidents or physical trauma, such as issues affecting the lower back, hips, or nerves. Addressing the root cause of these injuries is critical for effective sciatica management and long-term recovery. Below are common injuries that can result in sciatica:

Back injury from a car accident: Whiplash or impact during a car accident can strain the lower back, causing herniated discs or misalignment that compresses the sciatic nerve.
Spinal cord injury from a car accident: Severe trauma to the spine during a collision can damage nerve pathways, leading to sciatica symptoms such as pain and weakness.
Leg injury accident: Fractures or soft tissue injuries in the leg can indirectly affect the sciatic nerve, particularly if swelling or muscle tightness occurs near its pathway.

Our Providers

Meet our experienced and compassionate team of doctors who specialize in helping you manage your condition. With a patient-centered approach, our doctors work to understand your unique needs and provide compassionate, personalized care. Trust our providers to guide you on your journey to better health and improved well-being.

Dr. Kristi Reed, MD

Dr. Randolph Cribbs, MD

Dr. Carl Balog, MD

References

Ready to manage your symptoms? Take the first step in managing sciatica with personalized care from Compass Pain.

Get Started