What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is one of the most common causes of lower back and leg pain we see at Tennessee Back Pain Center. If you’re experiencing sharp, shooting pain from your lower back down into your hip, buttock, leg, numbness, burning, tingling sensations in your leg, and/or muscle weakness you may be dealing with irritation of the sciatic nerve.

Understanding the root cause of sciatica is the first step toward lasting relief. Let’s break down what sciatica is — and the most common reasons it develops.

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It begins in the lower spine, travels through the hips and buttocks, and extends down each leg. Sciatica occurs when this nerve becomes irritated, inflamed, or compressed.

Most Common causes of Sciatica:

1. Herniated or Bulging Discs - Between each vertebra in your spine are cushioning discs. When a disc bulges or ruptures, it can press against nearby nerve roots. 

2. Spinal Stenosis - When the spinal canal narrows, placing pressure on nerves. This is more common over the age of 50 and with severe arthritis. 

3. Piriformis Syndrome - A small, deep muscle in the buttock. If it becomes tight or inflamed, it can compress the sciatic nerve. 

4. Pregnancy - Weight gain and postural changes place additional stress on the lower back and pelvis. Hormonal changes also loosen ligaments, sometimes contributing to nerve irritation. 

5. Spondylolisthesis - When one vertebrae shifts forwards or backwards, often due to degeneration, trauma, or congenital defects, that leads to compression or pinching of the nerves

   
   

At Tennessee Back Pain Center, we focus on identifying the underlying cause of your sciatica, not just masking symptoms. Give us a call today at 615-900-5187 to get sciatica relief today.

For sciatica relief, check out how Mckenzie MDT can help: https://www.tennesseebackpaincenter.com/mckenziemdt