That shooting pain running from your lower back down through your leg isn’t just “back pain” – it’s likely sciatica, a common but often misunderstood condition affecting millions worldwide. Unlike generalized back discomfort, sciatica follows a specific path along your sciatic nerve, the body’s longest and widest nerve that runs from your lower spine through your buttocks and down each leg.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated. The most common culprits include:

Herniated or Bulging Discs: When the cushioning discs between vertebrae protrude and press against the nerve root.

Spinal Stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the nerve.

Piriformis Syndrome: The piriformis muscle in your buttock becomes tight or spasms, compressing the sciatic nerve.

Spondylolisthesis: When one vertebra slips forward over another, narrowing the opening where nerves exit.

Age-Related Changes: Natural wear and tear that affects spinal structures.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Sciatica typically affects only one side of the body and may include:

• Pain that radiates from your lower spine down your leg
• Discomfort ranging from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation
• Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness
• Pain that worsens when sitting, coughing, or sneezing
• “Pins and needles” sensation in the affected leg

Effective Solutions for Relief

Conservative Approaches First: Most sciatica cases resolve within a few weeks using non-invasive methods:

• Alternating hot and cold packs
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications
• Gentle stretches targeting the piriformis and hamstrings
• Maintaining proper posture, especially while sitting

Physical Therapy: A therapist can provide:

• Customized stretching routines
• Strengthening exercises for supporting muscles
• Posture correction techniques
• Guidance on movement patterns that avoid aggravating the condition
• Specific manual therapy stretching and or mechanical traction 
• Nerve gliding exercises to reduce inflammation around the sciatic nerve and roots 

Lifestyle Modifications:

• Regular movement throughout the day
• Ergonomic workstation setup
• Weight management to reduce pressure on the spine
• Avoiding positions that provoke the your symptoms 

When to Seek Medical Care: If symptoms persist beyond a few weeks, worsen despite self-care, or include severe leg weakness or bladder/bowel changes, consult a healthcare provider promptly.

Prevention: The Best Solution

The most effective way to deal with sciatica is preventing recurrences:

• Strengthen core muscles to support your spine
• Practice proper lifting techniques
• Stay physically active with low-impact exercises
• Maintain good posture during all activities

Understanding sciatica’s causes helps target solutions appropriately. Most people recover fully with conservative care and learn to manage their activities to prevent future episodes.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment for back pain.

Make sure you are proactive in your health and don’t ignore the little sensations you are feeling in your back. This is part of The 3D’s principle I adhere to. Don’t Ignore it, Don’t Mask It, Do Something About It.

Regardless of your reason and severity of symptoms, the team at MOSS Rehabilitation Center is ready to help you get what you really want so you can thrive and not just survive.   

Act now – call the office NOW 817-220-6677 to request my 100% FREE Report Top 10 Burning Questions for Lumbar Pain and Sciatica Report. Or if you want the report right now, please CLICK HERE and you can download it instantly. 

“A healthy man has thousands of wishes, a sick man has only one”. –Agnes Karll Schwest Krankenpfleger

Remember the KEY is to start so small that it is impossible to fail. –Kaizen

We love helping everyday people get back to doing the things they love to do.

At MOSS Rehabilitation Center we make it easy for you to get started. We even have a simple 3 step process. 

1. Schedule a FREE NO Obligation, Discovery Visit with one of our experts. During this visit, you will talk with one of our friendly experts about your issues. This is a safe and confidential visit, you can trust that your safety and privacy is important to us. 2. Receive a Customized (Individualized) Treatment Plan. Based on your free discovery visit, we will put together a custom, unique to you plan that will address all of your nagging pains and issues. The goal is to get you back to your healthy self as soon as possible while also addressing your issues for the long term. 

3. Get Your Life Back and Do What You Love. The best result for us is a patient who tells us they can finally do what they love without the constant pain, stress, or issue they were facing. Together we can get you back to living life without worry. 

NEXT ACTION: If you are really serious about fixing your lower back pain and want to do something about it, start by calling 817-220-6677 today to schedule your FREE NO OBLIGATION Discovery Visit or talk to one of our experts to find out a proper next step.  

To your health,

Dr. Robert Moss PT, ScD, OCS, FAAOMPT 

PS. No one will ask for any money for anything when you call 817-220-6677 to request your free report which is perfect for those who are suffering with balance issues.