What is Sciatica – and Why Is It So Painful?

What is Sciatica – and Why Is It So Painful?

If you’ve ever felt a sharp, shooting pain from your lower back down to your leg, you may have experienced sciatica.

Sciatica is not a disease — it's a symptom that something is irritating your sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in your body. It often shows up as pain, tingling, or numbness that travels from your lower back to your buttock, thigh, and sometimes all the way down to your foot.

🔍 What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, usually by something like:

• A slipped (herniated) disc in the spine

• Bone spurs (extra bone growth) due to arthritis

• Spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal canal

• Muscle tightness, especially in the piriformis muscle

• Occasionally, an injury or a fall

⚠️ Common Symptoms of Sciatica

• Pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and travels down one leg

• Shooting, burning, or stabbing pain

• Numbness or tingling along the leg or foot

• Weakness in the leg in severe cases

• Pain that worsens when sitting, coughing, or sneezing

Most often, only one side of the body is affected.

✅ Who Is at Risk?

Anyone can develop sciatica, but you’re at higher risk if you:

• Sit for long hours (desk jobs, driving)

• Lift heavy objects incorrectly

• Are overweight

• Are over 40 years old

• Have a history of lower back problems

💡 Tips to Reduce Your Risk or Prevent Flare-Ups

While you can’t always prevent sciatica, here are some helpful tips:

1. Maintain a healthy posture while sitting and standing

2. Use proper lifting techniques — bend at the knees, not the waist

3. Stay active – regular walking and back-strengthening exercises help

4. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your spine

5. Stretch regularly, especially your back and hamstrings

👨‍⚕️ When Should You See a Doctor?

While mild sciatica often improves with rest and simple measures, you should definitely consult a doctor if:

• The pain is severe or not improving

• You have numbness or weakness in your leg

• Pain follows a fall or injury

• You have difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels (this is an emergency)

🙋‍♂️ Final Thoughts

Sciatica can be painful, but it’s usually treatable. The key is to catch it early and get expert guidance. If you’re struggling with back or leg pain that just won’t go away, don’t wait it out — get it checked.

Relief is possible — and closer than you think.