PRC - Sciatica - What Is Sciatica
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What is Sciatica and Its Causes?
The sciatic nerve is the longest single nerve in the human body. Starting in the lower back, the nerve runs through the buttocks and down the legs all the way to the feet. The sciatic nerve provides nerve supply to the muscles in the legs. Sciatica occurs when any region of the sciatic nerve becomes inflamed or irritated.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is a fairly common condition and is relatively easy to get rid of if you are able to identify the underlying cause and address it accordingly. If you are experiencing severe or debilitating sciatica pain, you should visit your local doctor to determine the primary cause of your sciatica. Back care product specialists at Relax The Back can provide recommendations on the most effective lumbar support products based on your physician’s evaluations. Our specially trained staff can also give back care advice, including information about the highly recommended McKenzie Exercise Method that will get you back on the road towards a pain-free life.
There are 4 primary causes of sciatica:
- Piriformis syndrome, which occurs when pressure is placed on the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle, which is located in the outer hip.
- Herniated disc contributes to sciatica when pressure is placed on the sciatic nerve by a bulging or herniated disc in the lower back. The ‘disc’ is a soft jelly-like tissue between the vertebrae in the spine. This disc can rupture or bulge, putting pressure on the vertebrae. When this occurs in the lower back, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Spinal Stenosis, where the spinal canal narrows due to injury or degenerative conditions, which puts pressure on the nerves in the spine.
- Spondylolisthesis, the rarest of the causes listed, occurs when the vertebrae shifts (one forward and one backward), placing pressure on the nerves in the spine.
Common Symptoms of Sciatica
Here is a list of the most common symptoms of sciatica. You may experience some or all of these symptoms:
- Cramping, tingling or burning sensations in the legs and thigh.
- Shooting pain from the buttock down the leg.
- Lower back pain.
- Foot pain.
- Weakness or numbness when moving the leg or foot.
You do not need to live with chronic sciatica pain. Relax The Back in the Houston area has a wide range of lumbar supports and exercise products to help relieve and manage sciatica. Come by and speak to one of our specially trained back comfort product specialists for more information and advice on the symptoms and causes of sciatica.
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