Decoding sciatica: understanding and addressing your leg pain

Ever wondered if your pain could be sciatica? Sciatica involves the compression of the nerve at the base of the spine, resulting in pain that extends down the leg.

It's easy to confuse sciatica with the piriformis syndrome, where a tight or loose muscle exerts pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing leg pain. True sciatica, however, occurs when the nerve is compressed at the root at the base of the spine due to a disc issue, inflammation, or bone pressure.

If it's genuine sciatica, relaxing the piriformis muscle won't provide lasting relief. That's why getting a diagnosis of the underlying cause is crucial.

Sciatica can also be occasionally mistaken for peripheral neuropathy, leading to tingling or prickling sensations in the legs. This might be caused by other neurological conditions or diabetes. For a deeper understanding, consulting a neurologist is advisable.

Can prolonged sitting cause sciatica?

Absolutely. Our bodies aren't designed for prolonged periods of sitting. Sitting leads to flexion of the lumbar spine, compressing the lower discs, especially the L5/S1, where the sciatic nerve exits.

Imagine the disc as a jelly-filled donut. Prolonged pressure on the donut causes the jelly to spread to the sides. A similar phenomenon occurs with intervertebral discs, where the jelly moves backward or exerts pressure on its back.

For those with desk jobs or extended sitting, it’s recommended standing and walking every 15 minutes to reduce pressure on the discs. It acts as a reset for the disc. Upon returning to sitting, the disc load starts anew.

Is a warm bath beneficial for sciatica?

In short, no. If the nerve is causing pain, the area will likely be inflamed and feel warm. While warmth may provide temporary relief, it may not address the underlying inflammation.

To reduce inflammation, applying ice to the affected area is recommended. If you still crave a warm bath, go ahead, but follow it up with an ice pack for 15 minutes to counteract potential inflammation.

https://westchiropractic.co.uk/2023/07/20/how-can-i-tell-if-my-pain-is-sciatica/