Sciatic nerve pain, often called sciatica, can be a debilitating condition that affects many adults, including those who lead active lifestyles. Unfortunately, if not addressed, sciatic pain can disrupt daily routines, hinder physical activities, and reduce quality of life. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and effective treatment for sciatica is essential for relief and returning to an active lifestyle.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is characterized by shooting, burning or stabbing pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg.[1] The pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to sharp, debilitating discomfort. The sciatic is the largest nerve in the human body, not a single nerve but a bundle of them.[2]
Sciatic pain is a symptom caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve and is usually only on one side of your body. While sciatica can cause pain anywhere along the pathway, lower back and buttocks pain is the most common and can be accompanied by tingling, numbness or weakness in the leg or foot.[2]
Types of Sciatica
Sciatic pain can affect individuals differently depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition, ranging from mild to chronic. There are four types of sciatic nerve pain. Identifying which type affects you is essential to proper treatment to stop the sciatic nerve from causing pain.
Acute – From sharp, achy sensations to numbness, burning or tingling due to irritation or nerve compression. [3]
Chronic – Persists for at least a few months continuously.[3]
Bilateral – Occurs in both legs simultaneously.[3]
Alternating – Pain is in either leg, and sides may change.[3]
Who is at Risk for Sciatic Nerve Pain?
While anyone can develop sciatic nerve pain from injury or accident, certain factors may increase your risk, especially if you lead an active lifestyle.
Common risk factors include:
- Being aged 20 to 50 [1]
- Jobs that require heavy lifting or twisting [1]
- Prolonged standing or sitting [4]
- Sports that require twisting or downward movements [5]
Sports That Contribute to Sciatica and Radiating Pain
Even if you’re strong and fit, some sports require athletes to put a strain on their back due to twisting type movements. The following sports twist and torque the back and may lead to sciatica pain:
- Skiing
- Golfing
- Running
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Tennis
- Weightlifting
- Pickleball
- Cycling
- Football
- Gymnastics
I Led an Active Life – Why Do I Have Sciatica Pain?
Active adults are not immune to sciatic nerve pain despite their commitment to fitness and wellness. Certain activities commonly associated with an active lifestyle, such as running, weightlifting, or high-impact sports, can increase the risk of developing sciatica.[6] Overuse injuries, muscle imbalances, and poor posture during exercise may contribute to the onset of sciatic pain in otherwise healthy individuals.[7]
Self-Care for Sciatica
Sciatic pain may be temporary, but self-care can provide relief for active adults and promote healing. At-home care may include:
- Apply ice packs [2]
- Use a heating pad [2]
- Rest and light activity (walking) [8]
- Over-the-counter medication (OTC) and anti-inflammatories [2]
- Stretching and strengthening core muscles [2]
- Good posture and body mechanics [9]
When to See a Doctor for Sciatic Pain
Self-care may help manage mild sciatic pain, but if your symptoms persist or worsen, it is time to seek medical attention. Consult a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following:
- Severe or disabling pain [4]
- Numbness or weakness in legs or feet [4]
- Loss of bladder or bowel control [4]
- Pain persists despite conservative or self-care treatment
Find Sciatic Pain Relief from a Pain Management Clinic
In some cases, conservative treatments may not provide adequate relief for chronic or severe sciatic nerve pain. In such instances, a pain management specialist can offer personalized care and advanced treatment options tailored to your needs.
Sciatic pain treatments may include:
- Epidural steroid injections
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation programs
- Nerve blocks
- Prescription medications
Pain management specialists are trained to diagnose and treat acute and chronic pain due to back injuries and sciatica. Once your pain doctor reviews your medical history, conducts an exam and orders appropriate diagnostic tests, he or she can decide on the best course of treatment.
Resources:
- Mayo Clinic. Sciatica – symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic [Internet]. September 13, 2022. Accessed March 10, 2024. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/symptoms-causes/syc-20377435
- Cleveland Clinic. Sciatica & Leg Pain | Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic. May 21, 2023. Accessed March 10, 2024. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12792-sciatica
- Deering S. What Are the Types of Sciatic Nerve Pain? HealthCentral [Internet]. September 13, 2022. Accessed March 10, 2024. Available from: https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/sciatica/types-of-sciatic-nerve-pain
- Fairag M, Kurdi R, ALkathiry A, et al. Risk Factors, Prevention, and Primary and Secondary Management of Sciatica: An Updated Overview. Cureus Journal of Medical Science [Internet]. 2022;14(11). doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.31405. Accessed March 10, 2024. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9743914
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Sports Medicine: Back Sciatica. Nationwide Children’s Hospital [Internet]. Accessed March 10, 2024. Available from: https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/sports-medicine-back-sciatica
- Asher A. Sciatica Exercises to Avoid – Learn which movements can help or make sciatica worse. Verywell Health [Internet]. Published October 19, 2013. Accessed March 10, 2024. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/exercises-that-could-worsen-sciatica-297246
- Patel A. Causes of Piriformis Syndrome | Spine-health. Spine-Health Knowledge from Veritas [Internet]. February 22, 2023. https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/causes-piriformis-syndrome
- WebMD Editorial Contributors. Sciatica Treatment. WebMD [Internet]. January 14, 2024. Accessed March 10, 2024. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/treatment-for-sciatica
- Gillott C. What you need to know about sciatica – Is it possible to prevent sciatica? Medical News Today. December 23, 2023. Accessed March 11, 2024. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7619#prevention
