Sciatica is a common condition that many people experience at some point in their lives.
For many individuals, it’s that sharp, shooting pain that runs down the back of your leg, often making it hard to move.
But what exactly is sciatica, and why does it happen?
In this article, we’ll dive into sciatica causes to help you manage the pain and prevent it from happening in the first place, or again.
Understanding the Sciatic Nerve
Anatomy of the Sciatic Nerve
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, running from your lower back through your hips and down each leg.
It’s about as thick as your thumb and branches out into smaller nerves that reach the toes.
Where is the Sciatic Nerve Located?
This nerve starts in the lower spine, then moves through the pelvis, under the buttocks, and down the back of each thigh.
It controls the muscles in the back of your knee and lower leg, providing feeling to the back of your thigh, part of your lower leg, and the sole of your foot.
Function of the Sciatic Nerve
The sciatic nerve is responsible for sending signals from your brain to your legs.
It helps with movement and sensation in your legs and feet. When this nerve gets irritated or compressed, it can lead to the pain known as sciatica.
Causes of Sciatica
Herniated Disc
One of the most common causes of sciatica is a herniated disc.
This happens when one of the discs that cushion your vertebrae slips out of place and presses on the sciatic nerve.
How a Herniated Disc Triggers Sciatica
When a disc herniates, it can press against the sciatic nerve, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the leg.
The pressure on the nerve disrupts the normal signals that the nerve sends, leading to the symptoms of sciatica.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces within your spine narrow, putting pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine, including the sciatic nerve.
Narrowing of the Spine and Its Impact
The narrowing can be due to aging, arthritis, or other factors.
When the space around the sciatic nerve narrows, it can lead to pain and discomfort, especially when walking or standing for long periods.
Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis syndrome is another cause of sciatica.
The piriformis muscle, located in the buttock region, can sometimes irritate or compress the sciatic nerve.
What is Piriformis Syndrome?
This syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle spasms and squeezes the sciatic nerve.
It’s less common than other causes, but it can still lead to significant pain and discomfort in the lower back and leg.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis happens when one of the vertebrae slips out of place and onto the bone below it.
This can pinch the sciatic nerve.
Vertebrae Misalignment
When a vertebra slips forward, it can reduce the space for the nerve to pass through, leading to irritation and inflammation of the sciatic nerve.
This misalignment often leads to pain that radiates down the leg.
Injury or Trauma
Injuries to the lower back or spine can also lead to sciatica.
Car accidents, falls, or sports injuries can all cause damage to the sciatic nerve.
How Accidents Can Lead to Sciatica
When the spine or muscles surrounding it are injured, they can put pressure on the sciatic nerve.
This pressure can cause pain and other symptoms associated with sciatica.
Degenerative Disc Disease
As we age, the discs in our spine can degenerate, leading to conditions like sciatica.
Age-Related Wear and Tear
Over time, the discs lose their flexibility and ability to cushion the vertebrae.
This wear and tear can lead to disc herniation or other spinal issues that press on the sciatic nerve.
Risk Factors for Sciatica
Age
As you get older, your spine undergoes changes that can increase the risk of developing sciatica.
Disc degeneration and other age-related spinal issues are common causes.
Occupation
Jobs that require heavy lifting, twisting, or sitting for long periods can increase your risk of developing sciatica.
These activities can put stress on the spine and lead to nerve compression.
Lifestyle Choices
Lack of exercise, poor posture, and smoking can also contribute to the development of sciatica.
These factors can lead to poor spinal health and increase the likelihood of nerve irritation.
Obesity
Carrying extra weight puts additional stress on your spine.
This added pressure can lead to conditions that cause sciatica, such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
Diabetes
Diabetes can increase your risk of nerve damage, including sciatica.
High blood sugar levels can lead to diabetic neuropathy, which can affect the sciatic nerve.
Diagnosing Sciatica
Physical Examination
To diagnose sciatica, a doctor or a physical therapist will perform a physical examination.
They may ask you to perform certain movements to see which actions cause pain. This helps them identify the source of the problem.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests are often used to diagnose the exact cause of sciatica.
These tests provide detailed pictures of the spine and help identify issues like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
MRI
An MRI uses magnetic fields to create detailed images of the spine and sciatic nerve.
It’s one of the most common tests for diagnosing sciatica because it can show both bone and soft tissue.
CT Scan
A CT scan provides detailed images of the bones in your spine.
This is often used when an MRI isn’t possible or when more detail is needed to diagnose the cause of sciatica.
Nerve Conduction Studies
These tests measure how quickly electrical impulses move through your nerves.
And they can help determine if there is any damage to the sciatic nerve or if another nerve condition is present.
Conclusion
Sciatica is a painful condition that affects many people, but understanding sciatica causes and essentially how it happens (in the first place) can help you manage and prevent it.
If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.
You can reach out to Better Life Physical Therapy if you want long-lasting sciatica pain relief without injections, pain meds, and even surgery.
Submit the form below and we’ll reply to you as soon as we can.
Always remember that early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in managing pain and improving your quality of life.
