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Sciatic pain is from irritation - most often in your lower back - of the biggest nerve to your leg. Usually there is some low back pain, but mainly pain, tingling or burning in the butt-cheek and radiating down the back or side-back of the thigh. Sometimes the pain just goes to the knee, other times it goes down the calf or even to the toes.
The "irritation" may be from actual pinching of the nerve root as it exits the spinal canal, but more-often we find it is as much a chemical irritation by inflammatory chemicals that leak from damaged discs, angry facet (or "z") joints, and injured/scarred muscles or ligaments.
Physical tests - so-called 'nerve-stretch' tests are not very reliable, but resting postures, stretching and postural strengthening exercises can be very successful - and give fast-relief. Lumbar MRI is not necessary unless your numbness, tingling or muscle weakness is getting progressively worse-and-worse.
Why? MRI shows only abnormal anatomy - NOT the CAUSE of the pain. Even if a herniated disc showed up - no guarantee it was causing pain. 30-40% of herniated discs cause no pain.
If you're losing bowel or bladder control - or have numbness there - get to the doctor ASAP - it's a "Red Flag" of Back pain - you may need emergency surgery.
Otherwise, new topical pain-relief medications can give fast-relief, but they are so new they're essentially secret. Cochrane Reviews found 35 studies showed "good" pain-relief with topical NSAIDs.
Also, consider an early Physical Therapy evaluation - in many states you can do this without an M.D. referral - P.T.s are trained specialists - Ask for the new "pattern-recognition" back pain therapy or the older Mckenzie protocol.
Best wishes,
drdanbullock (orthopedics)
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoWHAT CAUSES MINE IS A PINCHED NERVE IN THE LOWER BACK THAT CAUSES A BURNING FEELING DOWN THE BACK SIDE OF MY LEG AND A NUMBING FEELING IN MY FOOT Many things can cause it, either individually or as a group of complaints. Usually the pain is as a result of compression or irritation of the nerve as it travels from the back to the foot. The most obvious causes are:
disc protrusion in the lumbar region
lumbar spine hypo-mobility
piriformis muscle spasm
gluteal muscle injury
hamstring tightness (calf tightness too)
poor posture
poor sitting position for prolonged periods
sitting on your wallet in your back pocket (NB for professional drivers)
If the pain is associated with numbness in the buttock, thigh or leg I would recommend you see either a Chartered Physiotherapist or Doctor. Don't waste time or cash on any other specialty.
a
Physiotherapist (Ireland)
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoSciatic nerve pain is the result of pressure in the joints along side of the leg and other limbs. Symptoms include nerve pain, joint pain, and irritation. To prevent Sciatic Nerve pain is by watching your lower back and doing light stretches.
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Does the sciatic nerve pass through the lesser sciatic foeamen?
If you look up the nervous system there are 3 places in your lower back that cause Sciatic or pinched nerve in three locations. Lower lumbar back at 3,4,5, cause pain in the left or right backside cheek, a shorter nerve. One causes pain that comes into the groin are from the backside around and up through groin. One causes the pain that runs down the outside seem of your pants and can end of in the second little toe. (next to the pinkie toe) It is called the Sciatic nerve.
What causes lower back pain which affects the left buttocks?
Varies. Could be a sprain along you sciatic nerve.
Can the sciatic nerve cause pain in neck left arm and left leg?
No the sciatic nerve only affects the legs.
What causes nerve pains and how to cure it?
Sciatica is pain, tingling, or numbness produced by an irritation of the nerve roots that lead to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is formed by the nerve roots coming out of the spinal cord into the lower back. It goes down through the buttock, then its branches extend down the back of the leg to the ankle and foot.
Is it true that tightness of the sciatic nerve can result in lower back pain?
Yes. Sciatica is a common type of pain affecting the sciatic nerve that extends from the lower back down the back of the leg.
What is causing pain radiating from hip to ankle?
Probably your sciatic nerve
What is the inflammation of the sciatic nerve that results in pain burning and tingling along the course of the affected nerve?
sciatica
Easy Ways to Cure Sciatic Nerve Pain?
Try to exercise to your home
Are there any stretches that will help my sciatic nerve pain?
Traditional exercises and home treatments don't work because they fail to fix the physical problem and only provide temporary relief. Sciatica is just a symptom of something affecting your sciatic nerve to cause the pain and discomfort. A chiropractor can help get to the root of the problem and help align your body correctly to prevent the pain from reoccurring.
Where can I learn about sciatic nerve treatment?
The sciatic nerve, which runs through the back and legs, can cause severe pain and numbness when it is irritated. Due to the discomfort experienced, consult a doctor immediately when sciatic symptoms occur. Doing research at the library may help you learn about the sciatic nerve and possible treatments. However, your doctor will be able to discuss specific causes and treatments that pertain to your particular lifestyle, providing suggestions and prescription medication if necessary.
Is it normal to have pains in your legs when you sleep on your right side at 16 weeks pregnant?
Yes. You may be compressing your sciatic nerve, and that is what causes leg/behind pain.
Can an intestine move and cause sciatic pain?
Great question! Typically sciatic pain is caused either by bony pressure on the sciatic nerve or more commonly by muscle pressure on the nerve as it passes through the large gluteal (buttock) muscles. The nerve isn't in the abdominal cavity where the intestines are so it doesn't seem likely that could be the cause of sciatic pain. Intestines can be filled with fecal material or feel lumpy but they are pretty well attached.
