Sciatic nerve: Why it hurts – and what helps
What types of back pain indicate an inflamed or pinched sciatic nerve? How is sciatica treated? And what exercises help? You can find out more here.
“Like an electric shock from the buttocks to the foot”
If you experience painful pulling and tingling from the lower back to the leg, and sometimes also feelings of numbness – this is probably due to the sciatic nerve. In many cases, the pain is caused by a herniated disc that pinches, irritates and inflames the nerve. Risk factors include lack of exercise, incorrect posture or excessive strain. In contrast to lumbago, for example, which occurs suddenly and violently after an abrupt movement, sciatic pain can develop acutely or gradually.
The sciatic nerve (nervus ischiadicus) is the longest nerve in the body. It runs from the lower back through the buttocks, the hip joint and the back of the thigh down to the foot. At the level of the hollow of the knee, the sciatic nerve branches out towards the ankle.
The sciatic nerve plays a key role in controlling the leg and foot muscles and transmitting sensory information – such as touch, temperature and pain – to the brain. It ensures that we are able to sense and react to these feelings.
The pain runs along the sciatic nerve and is often described as stabbing, sharp or electrifying. It can be long-lasting or short-lived and radiate from the lower back through the buttocks to the thigh and lower leg and into the foot. Burning, tingling or numbness may also occur. The pain may also be associated with muscle weakness in the affected leg and may restrict freedom of movement.
The most common cause of a painful sciatic nerve is a herniated disc. This means that an intervertebral disc protrudes between the vertebrae of the spine and presses on the nerve. Other possible causes include inflammation, injury or infection in the area of the nerve. The sciatic nerve may also be irritated due to muscle tension or spinal stenosis.
Important: If you suffer from persistent and severe pain, you should consult a doctor. A medical diagnosis allows the problems to be treated in a targeted and effective manner.
If the sciatic nerve is pinched and causes pain, the following measures can help:
- Rest: Avoid activities such as heavy lifting, sitting for long periods, or other strenuous activities that could make the pain worse.
- Heat or cold therapy: Warm compresses, a hot water bottle or a cooling gel can provide relief.
- Painkillers: Ask for advice at the pharmacy or consult your doctor.
- Physiotherapy: Targeted exercises and stretches strengthen the muscles and relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Massage: A gentle massage of the affected area can help to relieve tension and promote blood circulation. However, to avoid further irritation, the massage must not be too intense.
- Alternative therapies: Acupuncture or other alternative medical treatments can also reduce your sciatic problems. Our online search will help you find a suitable therapist. To the therapist search >
If you experience persistent or very severe pain, numbness, muscle weakness or problems with bladder and bowel control, you must always consult a doctor (see the answer to the question “What should you do if you have chronic sciatica?”).
Persistent sciatic pain that lasts for more than three months is called “chronic sciatica”. It is caused by persistent irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, such as repeated herniated discs, wear-related changes to the spine or inflammation in the nerve area.
Acute or transient sciatica, on the other hand, is caused by a single event, such as a specific injury or a slipped disc. The sciatic symptoms usually subside after a few days or weeks.
In the event of persistent pain and impairments, you should definitely consult your doctor. In chronic sciatica, treatment focuses on relieving the pain, treating the underlying cause and restoring function. Medication-based treatments, physiotherapy, injections and pain management techniques are sometimes combined for this purpose. In some cases, when conservative methods do not help and the symptoms are severe, surgery is required.
In most cases, conservative treatment is recommended first. This includes resting, protecting the affected area, applying heat or cold, massages, stretching exercises and targeted strengthening of the muscles around the sciatic nerve.
Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can be used to relieve pain. If necessary, your doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers as well as anti-inflammatory or muscle-relaxing medication.
Physiotherapy helps to improve flexibility, strengthen muscles and alleviate symptoms. In physiotherapy, patients also learn how to adjust their posture and movements in order to reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Injecting medication or steroids near the sciatic nerve may also be advisable in some circumstances. These injections reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
In the event of persistent or severe pain and if conservative treatments do not work, surgery may be required. The aim of this is to remedy the underlying problems, such as a herniated disc.
The duration can vary greatly and depends on the cause, the treatment and the individual response to the treatment. In most cases, sciatic pain subsides within weeks to months.
There are various factors that can exacerbate the pain. These include lack of exercise, incorrect posture, lifting heavy objects, stress or inappropriate treatment.
These sciatica prevention measures can help to avoid problems:
- Make sure you maintain a good posture, especially when sitting and standing. Avoid sitting for long periods and use ergonomic chairs or cushions to support the spine.
- Protect your back when lifting heavy objects: Bend your knees, lift the item close to your body and keep your back straight when carrying it. This takes pressure off the spine.
- Regular physical activity and exercises to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles help to stabilise the spine and reduce the risk of sciatica problems.
But rest assured: Sympany supports supplementary insurance policyholders who attend a gym or fitness classes with a sports contribution. More about the sports contribution > - A healthy body weight prevents additional strain on the spine and reduces the risk of sciatic pain.
- Warm up sufficiently when exercising. Warming up and stretching the muscles reduces the risk of sciatica problems and injuries in general.
- If you work sitting down: Make your workstation ergonomic and adjust the chair, desk and screen to support a good posture.
- Chronic stress can cause muscle tension, which in turn affects the sciatic nerve. Relaxation exercises, meditation or yoga help to reduce the tension in your body. Sympany can help you: Supplementary insurance policyholders receive a contribution towards various wellness courses from Sympany. More about the sports contribution >
