Is Sciatica Caused by a Slipped Disc Pressing on Nerves?

Sciatica refers to pain that typically starts in the lower back or hip area and radiates down the back of the leg. In some cases, sciatica pain may extend to the calf or foot. This condition is often diagnosed as being associated with nerve compression. (Sciatica pain does not always result from a herniated disc pressing on the nerve)
Sciatica symptoms include pain in the lower back or hip area and radiates down mostly to one leg. That’s because this area of spine bears significant weight and undergoes frequent movement which can cause a disc to rupture or bulge and press on a nerve.
If you experience sudden sciatica, it is a must to stop the activity immediately and monitor your symptoms. If the sciatica pain persists along with numbness or weakness in your leg, we recommend seeing a doctor.
Sciatica treatment methods include medication and physical therapy. For cases of sciatica caused by a herniated disc or spinal degeneration in older adults, if the sciatica pain does not get better after medication and physical therapy, the doctors may consider surgical approaches to treat this condition.
Treating sciatica at kdms Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, the patients will be given care by a team of experienced medical experts specializing in bone, joint, and muscle conditions with precise treatment and advanced medical technology, ensuring that the patients will return to normal life with high quality.

Sciatica refers to pain that typically starts in the lower back or hip area and radiates down the back of the leg. In some cases, sciatica pain may extend to the calf or foot. This condition is often diagnosed as being associated with nerve compression, which could possibly result from a herniated disc, spinal degeneration in the elderly that presses on the nerve, muscle spasms in the hip, or other causes. Most of the patients experience sciatica pain in one leg, but there are rare cases who suffer from sciatica symptoms in both legs.

For better understanding, let’s get to know the internal structure of our body. The commonly compressed nerve is the Sciatica Nerve, which originates from the lower spine (lumbar area) and extends through the hip, back of the thigh, calf, and down to the foot. Therefore, if any abnormalities occur and compress a part of the sciatica nerve, pain from sciatica can radiate along the nerve’s path from the lower back to the leg.

Sciatica nerve pain lower back through hips to leg

Table of Contents

Sciatica pain does not always result from a herniated disc pressing on the nerve

This article will sort the causes of sciatica into two main categories: sciatica pain originating from the back and sciatica pain not originating from the back

Sciatica pain originating from the back

Herniated nucleus pulposus (herniated disc)

This is a common cause of sciatica because the lumbar spine bears significant weight and undergoes frequent movement which can cause a disc to rupture or bulge and press on a nerve. Sciatica symptoms typically include lower back pain that radiates through the hip and down one leg, possibly accompanied by numbness or weakness in the leg or foot.

This disease is commonly found in patients aged between 20 and 50. Risk factors include heavy lifting, being overweight, smoking, and fast, violent body bending or twisting.

Spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease

This condition is often seen in older adults and is commonly referred to as “bone pressing on the nerve.” It can cause sciatica pain that radiates down one or both legs, accompanied by numbness or weakness in the legs. The sciatica worsens when standing or walking for extended periods and is relieved by resting in a sitting position.

This is caused by aged spine, intervertebral discs, and joints which degenerate or create bone spurs and compress the sciatica nerve.

Add Your Heading Text HereaSciatica pain not originating from the back

Piriformis syndrome

The piriformis muscle, the muscle in the deep hip region, is located near the sciatica nerve. If there are abnormalities or adhesions at the piriformis muscle, they can press on the sciatica nerve and cause deep, aching pain in the hip that radiates down the leg. This pain from sciatica worsens when sitting for long periods, or after prolonged walking or standing.

Common causes of this condition include sitting for extended periods in improper postures, injuries from sports or activities, and long-distance running or walking.

Piriformis syndrome is less common and often needs diagnosis to differentiate it from other similar conditions, such as a herniated disc or degenerative spinal conditions.

Hamstring strain

Strain in the hamstring muscles, located from the hip to the knee, can lead to sciatica pain in the lower buttock that radiates down to the back of the thigh. The pain usually remains above the knee in an early stage. However, improper treatment or repetitive injury can worsen the sciatica by causing tight popliteus muscle that hinders the knee in full stretching or sharp pain at the calf after standing for a long time.

Hamstring strains are often caused by injuries from sports activities like football, basketball, or long-distance running, especially when proper stretching isn’t performed before or after exercise.

What should you do if sciatica suddenly occurs?

If you experience sudden sciatica, it is a must to stop the activity immediately and monitor your symptoms. If the sciatica pain persists after resting, or if it worsens along with numbness or weakness in your leg, we recommend seeing a doctor.

However, if the pain takes place in the back and does not numb or radiate to other areas, it may be a natural warning sign indicating an issue with your body. Whether you are lifting a heavy object or playing a sport, it is essential to stop such activities to monitor your symptoms. Continuing those activities with the pain may cause injury to and harm your muscles or spine.

Sciatica treatment methods

If the sciatica pain continues after rest, it is advisable to consult a doctor for a thorough evaluation. Depending on the diagnosis, the following treatments may be recommended:

1. Medications for sciatica pain relief

Various medications are used to relieve pain from different causes and tailored to the patient’s medical conditions, ensuring safe and effective treatment.

2. Physical therapy for sciatica pain treatment

Exercise to stretch and strengthen muscles: focuses on back and ab muscles (core muscles), with additional hip muscles if you like. It is important to consult with a specialist to ensure that exercises are properly personalized to your specific sciatica condition.
Medical equipment for rehabilitation: various tools, such as heat packs, ultrasound therapy, laser treatment, shockwave therapy, or acupuncture, can be used to relieve sciatica pain and relax the muscles.

Moreover, there are exercises performed in a pool called “Aquatic Therapy”. Water helps support the patient’s body weight and creates counter pressure that reinforces muscle recovery. It also reduces the impact on joints and spine while exercising.

3. Surgical treatment for sciatica pain

For cases of sciatica caused by a herniated disc or spinal degeneration in older adults, if the sciatica pain does not get better after medication and physical therapy, the doctors may consider surgical approaches to treat this condition.

There are different surgical approaches for sciatica pain treatment including traditional open surgery and minimally invasive (endoscopic) surgery, which offers smaller incisions, less tissue damage, faster recovery, and better outcomes for a return to quality life.

Sciatica pain is a condition that requires careful attention and monitoring. Ignoring minor symptoms or continuing inappropriate activities could worsen underlying issues. Whether it’s a herniated disc or nerve compression, early diagnosis and proper care can help prevent further damage. Furthermore, correcting body mechanics is a key to save your spine from overburdening and early degeneration.

The perks of treating sciatica at kdms Hospital

kdms Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, offers comprehensive approaches to treat sciatica. With a team of experienced medical experts specializing in bone, joint, and muscle conditions, the patients will undergo detail-oriented diagnosis and precise treatment with advanced medical technology, reducing recurrence and returning to normal life with high quality.

In summary

Pain in the lower back area radiating down the leg, or sciatica, results from sciatica nerve, which originates from the lumbar area and extends down to the foot, being compressed or irritated. 90% of patients develop sciatica from herniated nucleus pulposus (herniated disc). Sciatica symptoms typically include acute lower back pain that radiates through the hip and down a leg, possibly accompanied by numbness or weakness in the leg or foot. If the sciatica pain persists or worsens, we recommend seeing a medical expert for diagnosis planning and further treatments to receive effective outcomes.

Q&A

Sciatica caused by a herniated disc usually affects just one leg. This is because, when a disc herniates, it tends to bulge in one direction and compress the nerve on only one side. This leads to pain, numbness, or tingling radiating down one leg. There are rare cases with sciatica symptoms on both legs as well.

Consult symptoms before scheduling an appointment.