What is Sciatica Pain?

Sciatica pain quite simply, is pain that is caused by aThis is because the nerve runs underneath the
damaged or irritated sciatic nerve. So, what is themuscle so, when the muscle swells it places pressure
sciatic nerve? The sciatic nerve is the longest nerveon the nerve which causes the pain you feel in your
in the body that starts in the spinal cord at the lowerlower back, buttocks, and legs.
back area and extends down through the buttockThe pain caused by Piriformis Syndrome can feel like
and runs down the legs all the way to the feet anda stabbing pain, tingling or numbness in the buttocks
toes. The sciatic nerve sends signals from the lowerand legs and can worsen when in a sitting position for
back, buttock, legs, feet, and toes to the brain andlong periods, climbing stairs, walking, or running.
receives signals back from the brain.If the sciatica pain is caused by Piriformis Syndrome,
The pain you feel in your lower back that radiateswhich is the most common, then recovery can be
through the buttocks and down your legs is calledfairly easy with the right treatment. Treatment for
sciatica (neuralgia along the sciatic nerve, Neuralgia:this is just a matter of a couple of massage therapy
acute spasmodic pain along the course of one ortreatments, stretching exercises, and possibly some
more nerves.) Sciatica can be quite excruciatingposture retraining. You should consult a doctor or
depending on whether the nerve is damaged or justprofessional therapist for the proper stretching
irritated. The pain can feel like a stabbing pain, tingling,exercise to prevent damaging the muscle further.
burning sensation, like pins and needles, or even likeWhen the sciatica pain is first felt you should rest for
an electrical shock that runs through your lower backa few hours and apply ice to help reduce
buttocks and legs, you can also feel weakness or ainflammation and swelling before starting any
numbing sensation in the back and legs.stretching exercise you may also want to contact
The most common cause of sciatica pain is Piciformisyour doctor first as well.
Syndrome. Piciformis Syndrome occurs when theAfter recovery from sciatica pain you should continue
piriformis muscle, due to tightness or spasms, pinchesthe stretching exercise, continue working on your
or compresses the sciatic nerve. The piriformisposture, eat healthier food (increase your intake of
muscle starts in the lower spine, it crosses theraw vegetable and fresh fruit they help the body
buttocks, and connects to the thigh bone, if thisheal more quickly), and work on strengthening the
muscle becomes inflamed and swollen it will pinch orback and abdominal muscles, to help prevent future
put pressure on the nerve causing the sciatica pain.sciatica pain.