What is Sciatica and how to treat it

The sciatic nerve is a HUGE nerve that starts in the back and runs down into the posterior thigh and leg.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a common term used to describe symptoms caused by the sciatic nerve. Symptoms can include low back pain and/or radicular pain that shoots down the back of the leg. In more severe and chronic cases you could also have numbness and/or weakness in the posterior thigh and leg.

Sciatica causes:

There are many things that can lead to sciatica-related pain. The most common causes are a herniated disc, bone spur, inactivity, and muscle tension. Anything that increases pressure on the sciatic nerve will cause it to become irritated and cause pain.

Treatments for sciatica:

1.) Movement

Nerves need blood and movement in order to work. Avoid sitting or standing in one position for long periods of time. The best way to increase blood flow is by getting your heart pumping. Going for a walk, run, doing a lifting or yoga session will do just that.

2.) Stretching

Nerves need space! Stretching out tight muscles, more specifically the glutes and piriformis muscles will help give the sciatic nerve the space it needs to glide.

3.) Nerve mobilizations

Sciatic nerve glides are a great way to mobilize the nerve and to bring fluid movement to it. Nerve glides calm down the nerve when it is irritated.