It’s estimated that up to 40% of the general UK population will experience sciatica at some point in their lives. And if you’ve ever felt a sharp, shooting pain that starts in your lower back and travels down one leg, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced it.
This pain can range from a dull ache to a burning or electric-like sensation, sometimes accompanied by tingling and numbness. Below, we take a closer look at why this happens and what you can potentially do about it.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body, which runs from your lower back, through your buttock, and down the back of each leg.
When this nerve is irritated or compressed, you might feel pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness anywhere along its route, sometimes all the way to your foot.
Causes of Sciatica
Common causes of sciatica include:
- A herniated or bulging disc: When this occurs in the lower spine, it can press on the nerve root.
- Spinal stenosis: This refers to narrowing of the spinal canal.
- Piriformis syndrome: The piriformis is a small muscle located deep in the buttocks. When it spasms or becomes tight, it may compress the sciatic nerve.
- Injury: Any structural issue or swelling may also place pressure on this nerve.
- Pregnancy: The changes associated with pregnancy, such as weight gain and changes in one’s centre of gravity, can irritate the sciatic nerve.
Long periods of sitting, limited movement, and the way your spine is loaded and supported throughout the day may also influence how your lower back and surrounding structures feel.
How Do You Fix Sciatic Nerve Pain?
For many people, sciatica sometimes calms down given time and self-care, such as staying as active as comfort allows and avoiding long stretches of sitting. A good number of cases improve over a few weeks.
When symptoms linger or keep returning, however, professional care may help. At Posture & Wellness, we use Advanced Biostructural Correction™ (ABC™). This chiropractic technique works with the structure of your spine and surrounding musculature, guiding your body back toward proper alignment, which may take pressure off of the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica can be frustrating, especially when it gets in the way of moving, working, and living comfortably. If yours is lingering or keeps coming back, having your posture and spinal mechanics assessed may help guide you toward relief.
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