Many patients come in suffering the pain of sciatica---pain down the leg. Typically the pain goes down the back of the leg, but can be in the buttock or down the side or front of the leg as well.
Sciatica is caused by impingement of the sciatic nerve, which is composed of branches of the lumbar nerves that exit the spine between the lower vertebrae and travel through the buttocks and down the legs.
“Impingement” can be caused by abrasion, pressure, “pinching,” stretching, or other irritation. The resulting discomfort can be frustrating, difficult to tolerate, and often impacts patients’ ability to go about their daily activities.
Sciatica can originate where the nerves exit the spine, but it is commonly caused by impingement in the gluteal region---the part you sit on. Sitting too long on a hard surface can irritate the sciatic nerve, and chronically tight gluteal muscles can also be the problem.
The secrets? Don’t spend long times sitting; get up and move. Don’t sit on hard surfaces; use a cushion. Stretch; maintain flexibility and good circulation in your gluteals.
