By Michele Silence, MA

Sciatica pain affects millions of people each year. The term sciatica does not refer to a medical condition. Rather, it is a word that describes symptoms which are the result of an irritated or compressed nerve in the lower spine. In reality, there are a number of conditions that can lead to sciatica pain. Once you know the cause, you can begin a program to alleviate your sciatica pain.

Causes of sciatica

The major causes of sciatica pain are:

1.   Spinal stenosis resulting in sciatica

The passageway holding the nerves to the spine narrows or tightens.

2.   Sciatica as a regult of degenerative disc disease

A degenerative disc impinges on the root of a nerve.

3.   Tight hamstring muscles leading to sciatica

This increases tightness in the lower back, leading to some of the other causes listed here.

4.   Sciatica caused by sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Sacroiliac joint becomes inflamed and rubs against the nerve.

5.   Herniated disc induced sciatica

When a spinal disc protrudes backwards.

6.   Isthmic spondylolisthesis producing sciatica

One of the lowest discs in the back slips forward.

7.   Sciatica and Piriformis syndrome

The piriformis muscles itself irritates the sciatica nerve and causes pain.

Exercises for sciatica sufferers

In order to successfully alleviate sciatica pain, you must exercise and stretch daily. If you make this routine a part of your daily care, your symptoms will most likely decrease and your pain can be kept to a minimum. If you suffer from sciatica pain, you can help yourself by strengthening and stretching the abdominals and back. Here’s what you need to do:

Remember, chronic or constant pain should be attended to by a physician. If your pain persists or worsens, discontinue stretching and seek the advice of a medical practitioner.