Slammed By Sciatica?

Sciatica, one of the many causes of lower back pain and buttock pain, is an irritation of the sciatic nerve, the large nerve that originates in the lower back and extends through the buttocks to nerve endings in the legs.

Sciatic pain can occur when the nerve becomes pinched or compressed, and you’ll feel it in your lower back and upper buttock, and along the back of the thigh. Sometimes sciatica pain extends down through the back of the leg. The pain caused by sciatica can be tingling, burning, or numbness, too. Sometimes lying down makes sciatica pain better, while walking makes it worse.

Treatment options for sciatica include:

 

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy
• Rest
• Surgery (in cases of extreme, persistent pain)

An expert can diagnose sciatica based on a physical exam and medical history. He or she may use x-rays or other imaging tests to pinpoint the cause of the sciatic nerve pain.

 

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