There are several different reasons why you may experience problems with sciatica. For instance, you may have experienced trauma to the back in an accident, you may have a genetic problem, or you may be experiencing the aches and pains associated with normal day-to-day life and the aging process. Whatever has caused the initial problem, some of the things we do can trigger episodes of pain. However, there is usually a muscular issue or swelling that has occurred that leads to pinching or pressure to be placed on the sciatic nerve.

Sitting or standing for too long can cause the feeling of numbness or burning, or pins and needles, from the lower back all the way down to the toes. Or you could experience a swift jolt or a feeling of an electric shock with little or no warning. A mild ache or a feeling of muscle weakness can also lead to excruciating pain. The symptoms of sciatica may be experienced one at a time or several at the same time, and they may be in different areas at the same time. For most people over the counter medications that have anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant properties can help to alleviate the pain. Some people also find it helpful to use hot or cold compresses, and still others find that lying on the floor and gently using the hands to pull one knee toward the chest and holding it for ten seconds helps to relieve the pressure.

Physicians can also prescribe medications and physical therapy that would be helpful. However, in extreme cases, sciatica can also cause permanent nerve damage resulting in the loss of feeling or movement in the affected leg or the loss of control in the bladder or bowel. A doctor may determine that prescribing injections of corticosteroid medication, which helps to suppress inflammation, could ease the symptoms. But this sciatica treatment may produce side effects, such as mood swings and susceptibility to infection, and it is only a short-term remedy. For more serious cases, surgery may be recommended. Surgical benefits and risks should be considered carefully.

It is important to be aware of what you are doing during the day that may affect your back. Not getting enough rest can cause the back to be less flexible and also cause movement to be more awkward so that any quick movement or a foot placed wrong may cause pressure on the sciatic nerve, which, in turn, causes a high degree of pain. One thing’s for sure: if you have or suspect you have sciatica, seek a cure. Do not risk the possibility of incurring permanent nerve damage.