Jan 31 2011
What Can You Do For Buttocks Pain Caused By Sciatica?
There are dozens of possible causes of buttock pain, and one of the most distressing is undoubtedly sciatic pain. This condition is commonly known as sciatica.
Sciatica is actually a variety of nerve pain and it occurs due to damage or trauma to the sciatic nerve. This nerve starts out in the spinal column, stretches through the buttock area and down to the feet. It is also the largest and longest single nerve in your body (approximately the diameter of your thumb in some places). So when it’s hurt, especially in the buttock area, the discomfort can be intense and unrelenting.
Sciatic nerve pain may also produce a tingling or numbing sensation.
Ordinarily, sciatic nerve pain originates in the spine, when discs or vertebrae are worn or damaged. This results in inflammation along the nerve pathway. Pain caused by sciatica can be felt anywhere along the path of the nerve: in your back, in your buttocks, in your legs or feet.
The are a variety of ways the sciatic nerve can be subect to wear and tear or injury. Some of the most common include the following.
A herniated disc, which occurs when a spinal disc presses against nerve roots, is a common cause of sciatic pain.
Bad posture often results in damage to the sciatic nerve. When your teachers told you not to slouch at your desk, there was a good reason. Incorrect posture can put pressure on the sciatic nerve in many ways.
Sciatic pain can also be a symptom of other physical disorders and conditions. including:
spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal. Typically this happens as you get older.
bone spurs, which are often due to arthritis, or
compression or pinching of the nerve
Pain from sciatica can vary greatly, from minor to excruciating. People who have had sciatica report that it sometimes feels like a shock or an electric jolt. Movement in the affected area can aggravate the discomfort. You could experience a sharp pain while sneezing or coughing. Sitting in the same place or position for an extended period of time can also intensify your pain.
Generally only one lower extremity is affected..
Sciatica frequently grows worse when you sit or stand for a long time. However, walking, lying down and movements that extend the spinal column may reduce the discomfort.
Depending on the cause, the pain of acute sciatica usually goes away on its own without treatment within a couple of months. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to relieve the pain in the meantime.
Sadly, there have been no recent studies that have shown ice packs or heating pads to be much help.
However, over-the-counter pain relievers and certain kinds of steroid injections may help.
If buttock pain caused by sciatica continues for more than a couple of days, you should discuss your symptoms with your doctor. He or she may recommend physical therapy. There are a number of exercises that may also help. Surgery for sciatic pain is usually done only in the most severe cases.
To get more information on topics related to buttock pain, click on buttock pain. Neal Kennedy is a retired radio and TV journalist. To read more of his articles, visit Buttock Pain Causes at http://www.buttockpain.info.
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