Sciatic pain is caused by an irritation, inflammation, pinching or entrapment of the sciatic nerve in the lower back or somewhere’s in the buttocks or leg. Sciatica normally only affects one side of the lower back and leg but in some cases, people can have sciatica in both sides.
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It’s formed by the union of 5 nerve roots from the spine of the lower back. It then travels down deep under the buttock muscles, one of which is called the Piriformis muscle that crosses over top of the sciatic nerve which is a common entrapment site of the sciatic nerve (known as Piriformis Syndrome). If you’re only feeling pain radiating down to your knee, this is most likely the cause. Otherwise the pain could continue down along the back, glutes, hamstrings and outside of the leg (calf) where it starts to divide into multiple nerves leading into the foot and big toe. (this is True Sciatica)
Common Causes of Sciatic Pain
Can be due to disc issues (herniated or slipped disk, degenerative disk disease, spinal stenosis, trauma to the spine), Piriformis Syndrome, or tight muscles in the leg compressing on the sciatic nerve.
Last year I had an injury that caused me to experience sciatic pain (tingling) from my low back down my right leg and into my foot (it lasted for about 4-5 months), so now I have a better understanding of how my clients who have sciatic pain feel.
I’ve found my clients receive some relief after the first treatment and constant improvements with future treatments, decreasing the pain and tingling felt from the low back, through the glutes (buttocks), down the leg and into the foot.
I use several techniques to help my clients get the best results from their treatments including rock blading, cupping, trigger point therapy and other massage techniques, k-taping and providing exercises that can be done at home or work.
If you’re dealing with sciatic pain, book an appointment
