Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

What is sciatica disease? Sciatica, often referred to as sciatica disease, is a medical condition characterized by pain in the sciatic nerve. This nerve, the longest and widest in the body, runs from the lower back through the butt and down the legs, providing sensation and muscle control to these areas. Sciatic nerve pain occurs when this nerve is irritated or compressed.

Primary causes of sciatica irritation or compression can include¹:

• Herniated disc

• Spinal stenosis

• Spondylolisthesis

• Degenerative disk disease

• Injuries

• Pregnancy

Sciatic nerve pain locations can vary — you may experience discomfort anywhere with nerves that connect to the sciatic nerve. These symptoms can include tenderness, numbness, tingling, and weakness.

Understanding sciatic nerve tenderness and its causes is crucial for effective management of sciatic nerve pain. Treatment options often include physical therapy, specific stretches, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Identifying the underlying causes and triggers is the first step towards finding suitable pain relief and improving overall quality of life.

Sciatica symptoms can manifest in various ways, with pain being the most common.

This pain often begins in the lower back and travels down the leg, tracing the path of the aching sciatic nerve.

It can range from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation, and may intensify with movement. Many people also experience nerve discomfort in the leg that feels akin to numbness or tingling — like the sensation you get when you sit in a certain position for too long and experience "dead leg". This can make it difficult to feel certain areas of the leg properly.

Muscle or leg weakness is another common symptom, affecting your ability to walk or stand for extended periods. Some individuals may also experience a constant soreness in the hip or buttocks area.

A more serious symptom is incontinence, which occurs when the signals that control your bladder and bowels fail to reach their destinations, resulting in a loss of control of those functions³.

Sciatica symptoms can become severe, impacting daily activities and sleep, so it's crucial to recognize them early for effective management. Symptoms may worsen with certain activities like heavy lifting or prolonged sitting, causing sudden and intense sciatica flare-ups³.

What triggers sciatic nerve pain? While it varies from person to person, a few common causes include:

Sitting for long periods of time

Prolonged sitting — particularly on unsupportive surfaces — can cause muscle imbalances and increased pressure on the lower back, leading to sciatic nerve tenderness and pain. This is often exacerbated by poor posture, which can further strain the spine and compress the sciatic nerve.

Physical work / heavy lifting

Engaging in strenuous activities without proper form or support can strain the lower back muscles, leading to sciatic nerve pain. This is especially common in jobs that require frequent lifting or repetitive motions, as these actions can cause micro-tears in the muscles and ligaments, irritating the sciatic nerve. Proper lifting techniques and supportive gear can help mitigate this risk.

Herniated discs

Medical conditions can also trigger sciatic nerve pain. Herniated discs, where the inner material of a disc presses on the sciatic nerve, are a common cause of sciatica symptoms. This condition often results from wear and tear or injury, causing more extreme pain and discomfort.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy can trigger sciatica due to the additional weight and pressure on the lower back and pelvis. As the baby grows, it can compress the sciatic nerve, leading to pain and numbness. With proper treatment and care, pregnancy-induced sciatica often goes away after the pregnancy ends.

Degenerative disc disease

Degenerative disc disease is most common in adults 50 years and older⁴. Also known as DDD, this condition occurs when the cushioning in your spine begins to wear away. Degenerative disc disease can be managed through a combination of non-surgical and, in some cases, surgical treatments.

Stenosis

Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal, is another medical condition that can cause sciatica. This narrowing puts pressure on the nerves, including the sciatic nerve, resulting in pain and discomfort.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis, where a vertebra slips out of place, can also compress the sciatic nerve, leading to similar symptoms. Both spondylolisthesis and stenosis require careful management and often involve a combination of physical therapy for sciatica and other treatments to relieve the pain.

Managing and alleviating sciatica pain is possible! A multi-faceted approach — overseen by a doctor — can significantly improve quality of life and well-being. A few commonly prescribed management options include:

Stretching

One of the most effective methods is incorporating specific sciatica stretches into your daily routine. These stretches are designed to target the muscles and nerves in the lower back and legs, helping to reduce tension and alleviate the discomfort associated with sciatic nerve tenderness. By regularly performing these exercises, you can not only find immediate relief but also strengthen the surrounding muscles, which can help prevent future flare-ups.

Physical therapy

In addition to stretching, physical therapy for sciatica is another crucial part of effective sciatica therapy treatment. Physical therapy provides a structured approach to addressing the underlying causes of sciatic nerve pain. Under the guidance of a trained professional, you can learn exercises and techniques that improve mobility, flexibility, and strength in the affected areas. This not only helps to reduce current symptoms but also equips you with the tools to manage and prevent future episodes.

Corticosteroid shots

In certain situations, a targeted injection of corticosteroid medication around the problematic nerve root can provide relief. Often, a single injection can help alleviate pain, and up to three can be administered within a year⁵. Again, talk to your doctor to determine whether these shots may be an option for you.

Surgical intervention

Typically, only for severe cases, surgeons may have the option to remove whatever is compressing the nerve (such as a portion of a herniated disc). Surgery is usually only considered when sciatica causes significant weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or persistent pain that doesn't respond to other treatments.

Can You Take TYLENOL® for Sciatica?

Many people may turn to common oral over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, thinking they can relieve sciatica nerve pain. However, this is not always the case. While acetaminophen, an ingredient found in TYLENOL® products, and ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) can provide temporary relief of minor aches and pains, they are not indicated to relieve sciatica pain specifically, nor do they address the underlying causes of sciatica at OTC doses.

Always consult your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation. Your doctor can provide personalized advice on the proper medication and dosage for managing your sciatica pain.