Pain In The Buttocks From Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms And Finding Relief
There are dozens of possible causes of buttock pain, and one of the most frustrating is unquestionably sciatic pain. This condition is commonly known as sciatica.
Sciatica is actually a form of nerve pain which occurs because of damage or trauma to the sciatic nerve. This nerve begins in the spinal column, continues 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 damaged, especially in the buttock area, the pain can be intense and unrelenting.
It's also typical for sciatic nerve irritation to trigger a tingling or numbing sensation along the nerve pathway.
Generally speaking, sciatic nerve pain begins in the spinal column, when discs or vertebrae are worn or damaged. This results in inflammation. Distress from sciatica can be felt anywhere along the path of the nerve: back, buttocks, legs or feet.
The sciatic nerve can become injured, damaged or worn in a number of ways. Here are several that are typical.
Very often sciatica is caused by a herniated disc in the spinal column. A herniated disc is a disc that is no longer in it's usual position, and is thus pressing on nerves roots in the back.
Poor 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. Bad posture can certainly place pressure on the sciatic nerve in a variety of ways.
Sciatic pain can also be a symptom of other physical disorders and conditions. including:
a condition called spinal stenosis, caused by narrowing of the spinal canal
bone spurs due to arthritis, or
when a nerve becomes pinched
The pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort. 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 during a sneeze or cough. Sitting in the same place or position for an extended period of time can also intensify your pain.
Usually just one lower extremity is affected..
Sciatica often gets worse when you sit or stand for a long time. However, walking, lying down and motions that stretch or extend the spine may relieve the discomfort.
Depending on the reason for the problem, the pain of acute sciatica usually passes without treatment within a couple of months. In the meantime, there are few options for getting relief..
There is no scientific evidence at this point that ice packs or heating pads will bring any real pain relief.
However, pain relievers that are available over the counter and certain kinds of steroid injections may be of use.
If buttock pain caused by sciatica continues for more than a few days, you should visit your doctor. He or she may recommend physical therapy. There are a number of exercises that may also help. Surgery is not typical in sciatica cases, but is not out of the question if your doctor believes it's the best - and possibly only - alternative.
To learn more on subjects related to buttock pain, click on hip and buttock pain. Neal Kennedy is a former radio and TV talk show host. To read more of his articles, visit Buttock Pain at http://www.buttockpain.info.

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