Health blog Category: Sciatica Pain
Do I Have Sciatica?
You have probably heard the term sciatica, and have probably thrown it around without having a true understanding of what it is and what is actually causing the symptoms you are experiencing.
What is True Sciatica?
True sciatica is actually an anatomical anomaly where the sciatic nerve runs through the piriformis (small muscle in the buttock). When the piriformis gets aggravated it also aggravates the sciatic nerve, which causes the symptoms you may have experienced such as, pain that goes down the leg to your feet, or numbness and tingling in your leg.
Sciatica Can Make Walking Difficult
Sciatica can make daily activities like simply walking and sitting difficult and painful. Sciatica is a very common condition that affects 10% of the population. However, many more people suffer with sciatica-like symptoms from low back pain to numbness in the leg.
You may have Sciatica if you are experiencing the following:
- Tenderness to the deep gluteus (buttocks) muscles
- Numbness, tingling or pain that travels broadly down the thigh
- Constant pain that may originate in the low back, but travels mainly down the back of the buttock and thigh
- Pain that feels better when lying down or walking, but worsens with sitting
Potential damage can occur to the spinal joints and nerves so it is important to see a physical therapist as soon as possible to prevent the risk of this from occurring and to determine the exact origins of your symptoms so you can get back to standing, walking and sitting comfortably as soon as possible.
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