What’s the connection between sciatic pain and the low back?

Sciatica is a common and treatable condition in which pressure is put on the sciatic nerve which radiates down one or both legs. The nerve root of the sciatic nerve comes from between Lumbar vertebrae 3-5. In simple terms… the low back. The nerves that innervate the legs and feet originate in this area and stem out much like the roots of a tree or plant. Sciatica symptoms can range from mildly annoying to severe and disrupting daily activities. Pressure, tingling, almost always radiating pain are used to decipher between sciatica and other possible diagnosis. (important to note, loss of bladder or bowel control and/or sensation of the leg are not sciatica and should be treated as a medical emergency). Sciatica often varies in intensity with some activities putting more pressure on the nerve than others.

  Although several things can initiate a bout of sciatica some known triggers include sitting for long periods (driving or sitting), muscle strain of the low back, herniated disc, narrowing of the spinal canal and certain movements that put pressure of the Lower back and vertebra.

Acupuncture, massage and chiropractic care are all good options to treat pain from sciatica. Stretching is not recommended and if it truly is sciatica, stretching will not help. This makes sense if we recognize the sciatic nerve as irritated during sciatica. Stretching a nerve that is already irritated generally will not make it feel better. Heat or anything to loosen the lower back muscles are helpful things you can do at home.