Sciatic nerve pain usually affects only one side of the lower extremities. The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in the body, about as big around as a finger at the largest point. Originating in the lower spine, it exits the spinal cord and goes all the way down to the toes. Sciatic nerve pain may be felt as a shooting pain down the leg, a nagging burning pain, or even give a sensation of pins-and-needles.

Generally, activities such as climbing stairs, walking, straightening the leg, and running increase the pain. Relief from sciatic pain can sometimes be obtained by stretching or bending the back, or simply by sitting. Since the cause of sciatic nerve pain is often a herniated disc in the lower back, stretching or bending can often relieve the pressure on the nerve endings in the spine.

Sciatic nerve pain is not gender specific; anyone is susceptible to damage to the lower back, which may result in sciatic damage. Lifting something as common as a bag of groceries or bending over to pick up a toy from the floor can pull a muscle in the lower back. Muscle strain can then lead to swelling around the spine, causing sciatic nerve pain.

Finding relief often includes a visit to a chiropractor or physical therapist. Calming the muscle's reaction to the pain and relieving the stress on the nerve is crucial to obtaining relief. Sometimes the treatment includes the use of soundwave technology such as MendMeShop Therapeutic Ultrasound. For information on what MendMeShop Therapeutic Ultrasound products can do for sciatic nerve pain, please continue to browse this website.