What Is Sciatica

Sciatica is nerve pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg.

The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest (almost finger-width) nerve in the body. It is actually made up of five nerve roots: two from the lower back region called the lumbar spine and three from the final section of the spine called the sacrum. The five nerve roots come together to form a right and left sciatic nerve. On each side of your body, one sciatic nerve runs through your hips, buttocks and down a leg, ending just below the knee. The sciatic nerve then branches into other nerves, which continue down your leg and into your foot and toes

Sciatica most commonly occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes pinched, usually by a herniated disk in your spine or by an overgrowth of bone (bone spur) on your vertebrae. This causes inflammation, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg.

Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body

What does sciatica pain feel like?

People describe sciatica pain in different ways, depending on its cause. Some people describe the pain as sharp, shooting, or jolts of pain. Others describe this pain as “burning,” "electric” or “stabbing.”

The pain may be constant or may come and go. Also, the pain is usually more severe in your leg compared to your lower back. The pain may feel worse if you sit or stand for long periods of time, when you stand up and when you twist your upper body. A forced and sudden body movement, like a cough or sneeze, can also make the pain worse.

Can sciatica be prevented?

Some sources of sciatica may not be preventable, such as degenerative disk disease, sciatica due to pregnancy or accidental falls. Although it might not be possible to prevent all cases of sciatica, taking the following steps can help protect your back and reduce your risk:

·       Good Posture: Maintain good posture techniques while you’re sitting, standing, lifting objects and sleeping. This helps relieve pressure on your lower back. Pain can be an early warning sign that you are not properly aligned. If you start to feel sore or stiff, adjust your posture.

·       Maintain a healthy weight: Extra weight and a poor diet are associated with inflammation and pain throughout your body. To lose weight or learn healthier eating habits, visit this website. The closer you are to your ideal body weight the less strain you put on your spine.

·       Regular Exercise: Exercise includes stretching to keep your joints flexible and to strenghten the muscles of your lower back and abdomen. These muscles work to support your spine. Also, do not sit or stand for a long period of time.

·       Choose proper physical activities: Consider low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, yoga or tai chi.