The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that runs from the spinal column in the lower back, behind the hip joint, down the buttock, and then down the back of the leg to the foot. When the sciatic nerve experiences irritation or pressure, then we have sciatica nerve pain, or simply sciatica. In addition to causing pain, sciatica can create a change in sensation or loss of leg strength.
Sciatica is found to affect 1 to 10% of the population in the United States and is most common in those from age 25 to 45. (myVMC)
I personally began suffering from debilitating sciatica nerve pain eight years ago, when I was in my late twenties, due to my 9-5 desk job. These simple exercises can certainly help!
Please keep in mind that everybody is different. For some, swimming really helps. For me, riding a bicycle consistently is by far the best thing I can do for sciatica. When my bike is not around, though, these types of exercises provide relief. The main thing is that you move, get the blood flowing, and don't sit in the same spot for too long.
What Is Sciatica Nerve Pain?
According to Spine-Health, these are the most common symptoms of sciatica:- Lower back pain.
- Constant pain in only one side of the buttock or leg, but rarely both the right and left sides at the same time.
- Pain that originates in the low back or buttock and continues along the path of the sciatic nerve - down the back of the thigh and into the lower leg and foot.
- Severe or shooting pain in one leg that may make it difficult to stand up or walk.
- Pain that feels better when patients lie down or are walking, but worsens when standing or sitting.
- Sharp or searing pain, rather than dull pain, in the lower back or legs.
- Some experience a "pins-and-needles" sensation, numbness or weakness, or a prickling sensation down the leg.
- Weakness or numbness when moving the leg or foot.
- Depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain and other symptoms may also include foot pain or pain in the toes.
