Sciatica very is common and affects anywhere from 10% to 40% of the population. Anyone experiencing symptoms can learn more about the signs of sciatica, and how doctors recommend treating it, right here.

"Sciatica" refers to nerve pain due to irritation of the sciatic nerve. As the largest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve starts from the spinal cord in the lower back and extends through the buttocks before branching down into the lower limbs. Sciatica is commonly caused by herniation of a lumbar disc, but any injury that irritates or leads to inflammation of the sciatic nerve can cause sciatic pain. 

Although sciatica is a debilitating condition that can seriously impact your quality of life, it is possible to manage your sciatica symptoms. Learn more about the signs, symptoms, and treatments of sciatica. 

Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica symptoms can vary, depending on the individual person and the cause of the nerve irritation. Sciatica pain can be a mild ache or a sharp, burning sensation. Some people experience excruciating pain, which feels like a jolt or electric shock. Sciatica pain can worsen when you sneeze or cough. Sitting for long periods can also aggravate symptoms. Typically, sciatica pain only affects one side of the body. 

Common signs and symptoms of sciatica include:

• A burning pain that radiates between the lower back and upper buttock. Sometimes this pain also progresses down from the buttock into the back of the thigh and the back of the leg.
• Unexplained numbness and tingling in areas affected by the sciatic nerve.
• Other symptoms in areas where the pain radiates such as hip pain, or buttock pain, and lower back pain. 

If sciatica symptoms are severe, you may have difficulty walking, exercising, or completing everyday tasks. 

What are the Causes of Sciatica?

Sciatica is often caused when the sciatic nerve is pinched due to a herniated disk in the spine. Alternatively, sciatica can be caused by bone spurs on your vertebrae. In rare cases, sciatica can be caused by tumor pressure or disease damage.

There are certain risk factors for sciatica, including:

Age

Natural aging causes changes to the spine, such as bone spurs and herniated disks.

Obesity

Excess weight adds stress to your spine and can contribute to the changes in the spine that trigger sciatica.

Occupation

Heavy labor jobs that require you to carry heavy loads, twist your back, or drive a vehicle for long periods could lead to sciatica.

Prolonged sitting

People who work at a desk or sit for prolonged periods are more likely to develop sciatica than people who exercise regularly. 

Diabetes

Diabetes affects the way the body utilizes blood sugar, increasing your risk of nerve damage.

Treatments for Sciatica

There are many ways to treat sciatica; however, the most effective treatment is often a combination of drugs and therapies. Common drugs that can help ease symptoms of sciatica include: 

• Muscle relaxants
• Anti-inflammatories
• Narcotics
• Anti-seizure medications
• Tricyclic antidepressants

Physical therapy

Physical therapy can help to strengthen your body and help prevent future injuries. Often physical therapy includes exercises to improve posture, strengthen your muscles (especially the ones that support your back) and improve your flexibility.

Steroid injections

In some instances, sciatica symptoms can be improved by an injection of corticosteroid medication, specifically into the area affected by the nerve root. Corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation around the irritated nerve and reducing pain. However, the effects of corticosteroids typically wear off in a few months. Due to the risk of serious side effects, you are limited in the number of steroid injections you can receive.

Surgery

Surgery is typically an option reserved for severe compression of the sciatic nerve. When severely compressed, the damaged sciatic nerve causes weakness, pain that progressively worsens, or loss of bowel or bladder control. During surgery, surgeons remove the herniated disk or bone spur that's pressing on the pinched nerve to relieve the inflammation. 

If you're living with the pain of sciatica, you do not have to suffer in silence. You can manage the symptoms of sciatica with an effective treatment plan and support from your healthcare provider. If you have any symptoms of sciatica, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.