The term sciatica is a purely descriptive term and not a diagnostic one.
The classic example I see of this is when I treat patients who have pain in their lower back, through their buttock and down the back of their and they have been told by their Doctor they are suffering with sciatica.
This tells us nothing.
It is the equivalent of telling someone who complains of pains in their head that they are suffering with a headache! The sciatic nerve is formed by nerve roots which leave the lower back.
As they leave the lower back, they merge together to form the sciatic nerve, which itself then passes through the buttock area and then down the back of the leg.
Officially, the sciatic nerve finishes around the back of the knee, where it divides into different nerves.
However, for ease of reference, the term sciatica is used to describe any pain which passes down the back of the leg as far as the toes.
Therefore, if you were to see someone and they diagnosed you with 'sciatica' all they are really saying is that you have pain in the region of your sciatic nerve.
The important thing is to try and establish why you have sciatica, not just the fact that you do have sciatica.
One reason you may be suffering with sciatica, is because the nerve roots which form the sciatic nerve are being aggravated.
This may be due to a few reasons, but typically it will be either a bulging disc or one of the joints of the low back aggravating them.
If either of these potential causes begin to inflame the sciatic nerve, you will perceive pain.
This pain maybe felt in the low back itself, or anywhere along the length of the sciatic nerve i.
e.
in the buttock or down the leg.
Another potential aggravating factor for the sciatic nerve is in the buttock area, and in particular where the sciatic nerve passes underneath or through the piriformis muscle (it varies from person to person).
If this muscle is particularly tight it can aggravate the sciatic nerve.
Once again, this irritation may be perceived in the buttock itself, where the nerve is being irritated, or anywhere further down along the length of the sciatic nerve.
The above three examples I have given as potential causes of sciatica are not exclusive.
There are other possible causes as well.
It is just I feel these are the three most common.
In addition to this, it is important to realise that all three would demand a different treatment approach, as obviously the cause of the sciatica itself are different with each one.
Finally, 'sciatica' can also cause sensations such as numbness, pins & needles and weakness.
If you are feeling any of these signs and symptoms, it is best to have things assessed by a health professional.
The chances are it is nothing to worry about, and is just a typical symptom of the sciatica you are suffering with.
However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and consult a health professional.
The classic example I see of this is when I treat patients who have pain in their lower back, through their buttock and down the back of their and they have been told by their Doctor they are suffering with sciatica.
This tells us nothing.
It is the equivalent of telling someone who complains of pains in their head that they are suffering with a headache! The sciatic nerve is formed by nerve roots which leave the lower back.
As they leave the lower back, they merge together to form the sciatic nerve, which itself then passes through the buttock area and then down the back of the leg.
Officially, the sciatic nerve finishes around the back of the knee, where it divides into different nerves.
However, for ease of reference, the term sciatica is used to describe any pain which passes down the back of the leg as far as the toes.
Therefore, if you were to see someone and they diagnosed you with 'sciatica' all they are really saying is that you have pain in the region of your sciatic nerve.
The important thing is to try and establish why you have sciatica, not just the fact that you do have sciatica.
One reason you may be suffering with sciatica, is because the nerve roots which form the sciatic nerve are being aggravated.
This may be due to a few reasons, but typically it will be either a bulging disc or one of the joints of the low back aggravating them.
If either of these potential causes begin to inflame the sciatic nerve, you will perceive pain.
This pain maybe felt in the low back itself, or anywhere along the length of the sciatic nerve i.
e.
in the buttock or down the leg.
Another potential aggravating factor for the sciatic nerve is in the buttock area, and in particular where the sciatic nerve passes underneath or through the piriformis muscle (it varies from person to person).
If this muscle is particularly tight it can aggravate the sciatic nerve.
Once again, this irritation may be perceived in the buttock itself, where the nerve is being irritated, or anywhere further down along the length of the sciatic nerve.
The above three examples I have given as potential causes of sciatica are not exclusive.
There are other possible causes as well.
It is just I feel these are the three most common.
In addition to this, it is important to realise that all three would demand a different treatment approach, as obviously the cause of the sciatica itself are different with each one.
Finally, 'sciatica' can also cause sensations such as numbness, pins & needles and weakness.
If you are feeling any of these signs and symptoms, it is best to have things assessed by a health professional.
The chances are it is nothing to worry about, and is just a typical symptom of the sciatica you are suffering with.
However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and consult a health professional.