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Sciatic pain is from irritation - most often in your lower back - of the biggest nerve to your leg. Usually there is some low back pain, but mainly pain, tingling or burning in the butt-cheek and radiating down the back or side-back of the thigh. Sometimes the pain just goes to the knee, other times it goes down the calf or even to the toes.
The "irritation" may be from actual pinching of the nerve root as it exits the spinal canal, but more-often we find it is as much a chemical irritation by inflammatory chemicals that leak from damaged discs, angry facet (or "z") joints, and injured/scarred muscles or ligaments.
Physical tests - so-called 'nerve-stretch' tests are not very reliable, but resting postures, stretching and postural strengthening exercises can be very successful - and give fast-relief. Lumbar MRI is not necessary unless your numbness, tingling or muscle weakness is getting progressively worse-and-worse.
Why? MRI shows only abnormal anatomy - NOT the CAUSE of the pain. Even if a herniated disc showed up - no guarantee it was causing pain. 30-40% of herniated discs cause no pain.
If you're losing bowel or bladder control - or have numbness there - get to the doctor ASAP - it's a "Red Flag" of Back pain - you may need emergency surgery.
Otherwise, new topical pain-relief medications can give fast-relief, but they are so new they're essentially secret. Cochrane Reviews found 35 studies showed "good" pain-relief with topical NSAIDs.
Also, consider an early Physical Therapy evaluation - in many states you can do this without an M.D. referral - P.T.s are trained specialists - Ask for the new "pattern-recognition" back pain therapy or the older Mckenzie protocol.
Best wishes,
drdanbullock (orthopedics)
What else can I help you with?
Does the sciatic nerve pass through the lesser sciatic foeamen?
If you look up the nervous system there are 3 places in your lower back that cause Sciatic or pinched nerve in three locations. Lower lumbar back at 3,4,5, cause pain in the left or right backside cheek, a shorter nerve. One causes pain that comes into the groin are from the backside around and up through groin. One causes the pain that runs down the outside seem of your pants and can end of in the second little toe. (next to the pinkie toe) It is called the Sciatic nerve.
What does sciatic mean?
Sciatic is not a word--but sciatic nerve is. The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that starts in the lower back and runs through the buttock and down the lower limb. It is the longest and widest single nerve in the body. Hope this helped!
Is the pain in your sciatic nerve more prominent on the left or right side of your body?
The pain in your sciatic nerve is more prominent on the left or right side of your body?
Where is the location of sciatic nerve pain typically felt in the body?
Sciatic nerve pain is typically felt in the lower back, buttocks, and down the back of the leg.
How does compression of the sciatic nerve between the vertebrae lead to symptoms of sciatica?
Compression of the sciatic nerve between the vertebrae can lead to symptoms of sciatica because it causes irritation and inflammation of the nerve, resulting in pain, numbness, and tingling sensations that radiate down the leg.
What causes nerve pains and how to cure it?
Sciatica is pain, tingling, or numbness produced by an irritation of the nerve roots that lead to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is formed by the nerve roots coming out of the spinal cord into the lower back. It goes down through the buttock, then its branches extend down the back of the leg to the ankle and foot.
Is it true that tightness of the sciatic nerve can result in lower back pain?
Yes. Sciatica is a common type of pain affecting the sciatic nerve that extends from the lower back down the back of the leg.
Can the sciatic nerve affect your bowels?
Yes, the sciatic nerve can affect your bowels. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and runs from the lower back down the back of each leg. If the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, it can cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back, buttocks, and legs, which can also affect bowel function.
What muscle in the buttock crosses the sciatic nerve?
The piriformis muscle crosses the sciatic nerve in the buttock region. Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle can lead to sciatica symptoms like pain, tingling, or numbness in the buttock and down the leg.
Can the sciatic nerve cause pain in neck left arm and left leg?
The sciatic nerve typically runs from the lower back down through the leg, so it wouldn't directly cause pain in the neck or arm. However, issues in the lower back where the sciatic nerve originates can sometimes radiate pain down the leg, but not usually to the neck or arm. Pain in the neck and arm may be due to separate issues such as a cervical spine problem or shoulder injury.
What is the path of sciatic nerve pain and how does it affect the body?
The sciatic nerve pain typically starts in the lower back and travels down the back of the leg. It can cause sharp pain, numbness, or tingling in the leg and foot. This can make it difficult to walk, stand, or sit comfortably. The pain is often caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which can be due to conditions like a herniated disc or muscle tightness.
Easy Ways to Cure Sciatic Nerve Pain?
Try to exercise to your home
