Pinched Sciatic Nerve Symptoms: Causes and Coping Strategies

What is the Sciatic Nerve?

This nerve is composed of two nerves wrapped in connective tissue. It descends from the spine down your lower back through your buttocks and down your legs. At the knee, it branches into two nerves which then innervate your down your leg to your feet.

It is the largest nerve in your body. That being the case, there are several points within your anatomy which leave you vulnerable to sciatica and the dreaded pinched sciatica nerve symptoms.

Pinched Sciatic Nerve Symptoms

Injuries to nerves can often be extremely painful, and other times involve a loss of sensation. Depending upon where the nerve was injured or irritated, you may feel pain in your lower back, buttock, or even in your foot.

You may also feel weakness in your leg or foot. Nerves work by sending signals to other cells to direct movement, respond to sensations, and other functions. Another one of the pinched sciatic nerve symptoms you may feel then is a pins and needles sensation or numbness in your legs or feet. You may have reduced reflexes in your ankles or knees.

Based on your symptoms, your doctor may be able to pinpoint the area of actual nerve injury. Your doctor will test your reflexes and question you regarding the type of pain you are experiencing. Sometimes, x-rays and other diagnostics such as a MRI may be ordered to isolate the cause of your pain.

Causes of Sciatica

The most common cause is a herniated disc. This injury will place pressure on your nerve, causing the pain associated with sciatica. Pregnancy may also place undue pressure on your sciatic nerve.

You will certainly aggravate any symptoms you are experiencing if you are overweight or if you do not get enough exercise. A pinched nerve can even be caused by sleeping on a mattress that is too soft.

Coping With the Symptoms

In most cases, your symptoms will abate over time. Your doctor may recommend short periods of activity to help your nerve heal. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen will help relieve the swelling of your nerve and provide some relief.

Hot showers or use of a heating pad may also help. If your nerve pain does not improve, your doctor may opt for intensive treatments such as steroid injections or physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be your only option especially if your symptoms are caused by a bulging or ruptured disc.

Sciatica can be a difficult condition with which to cope. Being able to move freely without pain is something you may take for granted. If you are experiencing back pain or leg weakness, see your doctor sooner rather than later. The sooner you take action, the sooner you will be able to enjoy being pain free.

References

Spine Health: Sciatic Nerve Anatomy and Sciatica Symptoms - https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/sciatic-nerve-anatomy-and-sciatica-symptoms

McKinley, Michael and O’Loughlin, Valerie. Human Anatomy. 2005