The sciatic nerve is the largest and widest nerve in the human body.  Sciatica is commonly caused by a variety of things like weight gain, pregnancy, narrowing of the spinal cord, bone spurs, herniated discs, and tight piriformis (a muscle that goes from the anterior base of the sacrum to the hip).  Common causes include prolonged sitting, twisting, inactivity, lifting or carrying heavy objects, spinning, biking, and other forms of exercise if done without stretching.  Sciatica is typically on one side of the body and symptoms include lower back pain that radiates down the buttock, hamstring, and into the calf and foot.  The pain may be all the way down the leg or just in the back, glute and hamstring.  There may also be inflammation and numbness and tingling.

Sciatic pain happens when our sciatic nerve becomes pinched, irritated, or inflamed.  Sometimes a herniated or bulging disc (slipped disc) can be the culprit.

Staying active and stretching before and after exercise may help reduce symptoms.

You also may have tried over-the-counter pain relievers or alternating hot and cold therapy and although this may help temporarily it will not correct the issue at its source.

If the sciatic pain is a problem in your life, we are here for you.  Contact us today to restore balance to your nervous system and remove pressure from the compressed nerves without drugs or painful surgeries.

If stretching and exercises do not help please contact us so we can get to the root of the problem and start you on a care plan that will help you get back to your active and healthy lifestyle without drugs or surgery.