Sciatica is a condition that causes pain and inflammation down the sciatic nerve, oftentimes radiating to the lower back. While there is no one-size-fits-all cure for sciatica, some common treatments include chiropractic care, acupuncture, exercise, and massage. Discover what causes sciatica to flare up in this article.
What Causes Sciatica To Flare Up?
When sciatica flares up, it may be difficult to move your legs and feel intense pain down the back of your thigh. The exact cause of sciatica is unknown, but some possible causes include:
- A herniated disc in your lower back or spine. This is when a piece of the spine slips out of place and presses on nerves and spinal cord.
- A pinched nerve in the sciatic nerve. This is a smaller nerve that runs from your lower back down your leg. Pressure on this nerve can cause intense pain in the back of your thigh.
- Vertebrae (bones) that are out of alignment can also cause sciatica. When these bones shift, they can pinch a nearby nerve or spinal cord, causing pain.
- Inflammation or irritation of the muscles and ligaments around the area where the herniated disc or pinched nerve is located can also lead to sciatica symptoms.
- Wrong sitting posture. Sitting in the same position for a long period of time can cause pressure on your lower back and sciatic nerve which is why you should consider the best chair that can be suitable for your back.
- Obesity. Being overweight can put extra pressure on your spine, leading to herniated discs and other problems.
- Previous injuries or surgeries that have affected the spinal cord or nerves.
What Are The Effect of Sciatica?
If you’re experiencing sciatica, it’s important to determine what is causing the pain. Sciatica can be caused by a variety of factors, and knowing what to avoid can help reduce your chances of getting the condition. Here are some potential causes of sciatica:
- Overuse or inflammation of the sciatic nerve: This is the largest nerve in the lower back, and when it’s inflamed or overloaded, it can cause pain and numbness in the lower leg. The most common cause of this type of sciatica is sitting for long periods of time, which puts pressure on the nerve. Other causes include pregnancy, obesity, and childbirth.
- Radiculopathy: This is a condition in which compression or inflammation of the nearby spinal cord causes pain and weakness in the lower extremities. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury or surgery, but often times it’s not clear what caused it.
- Piriformis syndrome: This is a condition that affects the piriformis muscle (a small muscle near the base of your spine). When this muscle becomes tight and twisted, it can cause sciatica-like pain in the buttocks and leg. It’s typically caused by a combination of factors, including muscle weakness, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Myofascial pain syndrome: This is a condition in which tension and pain in muscles (myofascial pain) are the primary symptoms. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including arthritis, injury, or nerve compression.
- Spondylolisthesis: This is a condition in which the spine ends up sliding forward due to abnormal bone growth. When this happens, pressure is put on the sciatic nerve, which can cause pain and numbness in the lower leg. It’s most commonly caused by age or genetics, but it can also be caused by trauma or disease.
Conclusion
Sciatica is a condition that can cause intense pain down the back of one or both legs. It is often caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower spine all the way down to your feet. There are many potential causes of sciatica, but it can also be aggravated by other medical conditions and injuries, as well as lifestyle choices.
If you are experiencing significant Sciatica pain, it is important to seek out professional help as soon as possible so that you can get relief and begin treatment for your condition. I hope you like this post on What Causes Sciatica To Flare Up. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
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