Got you — let’s talk sciatic nerve / sciatica in plain terms 👌
What is the sciatic nerve?
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It starts in the lower back, runs through the hips and buttocks, and goes down each leg to the feet.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.
Common symptoms
- Sharp, burning, or electric-like pain from lower back → buttock → leg
- Pain on one side (usually)
- Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
- Weakness in the leg
- Pain worse when sitting, bending, coughing, or sneezing
Common causes
- Herniated (slipped) disc
- Spinal stenosis
- Piriformis syndrome
- Degenerative disc disease
- Injury or prolonged poor posture
What usually helps (at home)
Short-term relief
- Heat or ice on the lower back
- Avoid long sitting; take standing breaks
- Gentle walking 🚶♂️
Stretches (daily, gentle)
- Knee-to-chest stretch
- Piriformis stretch
- Hamstring stretch
Lifestyle tips
- Sleep on your side with a pillow between knees
- Avoid heavy lifting or twisting
- Maintain good posture
When to see a doctor urgently 🚨
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Severe or worsening weakness
- Numbness in the groin or inner thighs
- Pain after a serious injury
Treatment options
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory meds
- Muscle relaxants
- Injections (if severe)
- Surgery (rare, last resort)
If you want, I can:
- Give simple stretches with pictures (described)
- Help you figure out if it sounds like sciatica or something else
- Suggest workplace or sleep adjustments
Tell me what you’re dealing with — pain level, where it starts, and what makes it worse 🤍
