Is it my imagination, or are more and more people suffering from sciatic pain? It seems that every time I turn around someone is complaining about it.

My own problem with sciatica began in 1982 during the birth of my second child, when I was given an epidural and it hit the nerve. Since then, it takes very little to aggravate it and cause a flare-up. I was sent for Physiotherapy in the early 90's where they used "traction" to try to alleviate the pain, but it only made it worse. As time went on, this combined with degenerated discs and arthritis left me with chronic, severe lower back pain, leg pain and foot problems.  For a number of years, I was able to control the pain using a  T.E.N.S. (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) Machine, which are now quite affordable.  

Chiropractic treatments, massage therapy and other natural or alternative therapies become quite expensive, so are not always an option for people. There can be a waiting time of 6 months to a year to get into physiotherapy (in my province), which is not at all appealing when you are in pain.

Finaly, theorizing that if I exercised to strengthened my back it would help. The theory was sound, but the exercise program I chose was the WRONG one. Though I began to get into good shape, the sciatic nerve became aggravated and my leg when numb. That sent me to a Chiropractor, who just happened to also be a Physiotherapist and Naturopathic Doctor. It was long before I found out that people do not have live in pain.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to the symptoms associated with a condition in the lumbar spine known as radiculopathy, when a nerve root that is connected to the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated. These symptoms include numbness, pain, weakness or tingling in the buttocks/hips, legs or feet.

Generally there are four types of causes of radiculopathy:

- Lumbar herniated disc.

This is often as a result of weakening of the disc due to injury; or a sudden, twisting motion or even from repetitive wear and tear. Sciatica is caused when the soft inner core of the disc ruptures and protrudes, irritating the nerve root.

- Degenerative Disc Disease.

In some cases degenerated discs can cause irritation to the nerve roots and surrounding areas. Both in this case and with a Lumbar herniated disc, the inflammatory proteins contained within the central part of the disc, becomes exposed, causing irritation and inflammation.

- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

A narrowing of the spinal column caused by a combination of issues, thereby putting pressure on the sciatic nerve.

- Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

This is a condition where a stress fracture can cause one vertebrae to slip over another, causing disc space collapse and the nerve being pinched as it exits the spine resulting in sciatica.

Sciatic pain is also caused by some other conditions, but while the pain is similar, it is not true radiculopathy. These causes include:

- Piriformus Syndrome:

This is when the nerve is irritated or pinched as it runs under the piriformus muscle in the rear.

- Sacoriliac Joint Disfunction,

This is when there is an irritation of the sacroiliac joint at the bottom of the spine, causing pain in the sciatic nerve.

- Pregnancy can also put extra pressure on the spine causing sciatic pain.

It is important to know what the underlying cause of your sciatic pain is, in order to determine what treatment options and exercises are best suited to your condition. For example, a person with a herniated disc will find more sciatic relief with extension exercises that involve a backward arching motion as opposed to a forward flexing motion. Obviously, if the sciatic pain is caused by pregnancy, caution should be used in choosing which exercises you are able to do, but you will still be able to find relief from the pain and pressure.

It is interesting to note that the specific joint affected will determine where and how the pain is manifest in your body.

Damage at the L2 level = thigh pain & hip weakness

                        L3 level = thigh pain & knee and thigh weakness

                        L4 level = pain from lower back to foot & foot weakness

                        L5 level = pain from outer leg to top of foot & foot weakness

                        S1 level = pain from calf to outer foot & foot weakness

Regardless of the root cause of your sciatic pain, exercise is extremely important to strengthen your back. Diet is often a key component as well, because there are some foods that have excellent anti-inflammatory properties. This is especially helpful in cases where the sciatic nerve is irritated and inflamed due to the inflammatory protein in the inner part of the disc being exposed, or when arthritis is a contributing factor. I have found grapeseed extract and Omega Fatty Acids to be very helpful.

Of course, medication is an option and in extreme cases due to injury or degeneration, some patients are candidates for surgery and opt to go that route.

By far, exercise, diet and prevention are the best of the sciatica treatments available. They are cost-effective, safe and natural and exercises only take a few minutes a day in your own home. Sciatic nerve pain will usually settle down within six to eight weeks, but for some of us, it can be longer lasting and will require ongoing support and a more specialized and individualized exercise program.

Don’t let sciatic pain keep you from living a normal, active life. There is sciatica help available and you can take control.