Sciatica

Sciatic Nerve Pain
Pain or numbness running from the lower back to the buttock and leg

❓What Is Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back through the buttock, down the back of the thigh, and into the calf — it is the longest nerve in the body.
When this nerve is compressed or irritated near the lower back, pain and numbness can spread from the buttock down the leg.
Sciatica is not a disease name but a symptom. Common causes include herniated disc and spinal stenosis.

⚙️Why Does It Happen?

A problem develops in the spine or disc

Herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis occurs

The sciatic nerve gets compressed or irritated

A bulging disc or narrowed spinal canal presses on the nerve

Pain and numbness spread from buttock to leg

Electric-shock-like pain or tingling travels along the nerve path

🔴 Herniated disc 🔴 Spinal stenosis 🪑 Prolonged sitting 👴 Aging

🔍Watch for These Symptoms

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Electric-shock-like pain from buttock to leg

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Numbness or reduced sensation in the leg

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Leg muscle weakness

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Pain gets worse at night

💊Treatment

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Anti-inflammatory Medication

NSAIDs such as loxoprofen or celecoxib to reduce pain and swelling. They cannot be used by people with a gastric or duodenal ulcer, or by anyone who has had an asthma attack triggered by pain or fever medicine (aspirin-induced asthma). Two NSAIDs are never taken at the same time

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Nerve Pain Medication

Pregabalin or mirogabalin, started at a low dose and increased gradually. They can cause dizziness and drowsiness, so avoid driving while taking them, and never change the dose or stop them on your own

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Nerve Block Injection

Medication injected near the affected nerve to relieve pain

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Rehabilitation & Exercise

Core and hip strengthening, flexibility training

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Physical Therapy

Heat therapy and electrical stimulation to relieve pain

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Muscle Relaxants

Eases muscle tension. They can cause drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery while taking them

📈Outlook & Recovery

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A combination of medication and rehabilitation works well

Mild cases may improve within days to weeks. Chronic cases need longer treatment, but choosing the right medication for your type of pain combined with rehabilitation can lead to meaningful improvement.

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See a doctor right away if you notice these signs.
Sudden leg weakness, difficulty with urination or bowel control, or numbness in the groin area may indicate cauda equina syndrome, which requires urgent medical attention.

🏠If You Have Leg Pain or Numbness

💡 Things to Remember

Sciatica is a symptom name — finding the root cause is the first priority
Pain medication carries a risk of stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding, so a stomach medicine is considered when it is used long-term. A stomach medicine does not protect the kidneys, however
Keeping up with stretching and exercise therapy is the fastest path to improvement
If the pain is severe or your leg feels weak, see a doctor as soon as possible

Sciatica

A combination of medication and rehabilitation works well

💡 Things to Remember

🩻 Gotokuji Orthopedic Clinic