Pinched Sciatic Nerve: What's Happening?

A pinched sciatic nerve is a condition in which the nerve in your pelvic region becomes pinched. Too much pressure is being put on the nerve in some form usually by a muscle but sometimes by a herniated disk in your body. Those that experience a pinched nerve pain will feel it running from their pelvis down through one or both of their legs. Often, the pain is a shooting pain that is sharp and can be extreme. The pain of this specific nerve will usually be fleeting, or only lasting for a few moments then relieving. Yet, it may come back several times. Others feel it for long periods of time.

A pinched sciatic nerve is caused by one specific nerve being pinched. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It starts at your pelvis and runs down through the buttock and into the low legs. This nerve is the main tool used to have feeling in your feet, your legs and your thighs. When and if you have a pinched nerve here, the pain will run up and down this nerve, leaving you with a radiated pain that makes your hips and legs hurt.

The only way to know for sure if you actually have a pinched sciatic nerve is to talk to your doctor about it. He or she will do testing to determine if it is a pinched nerve as well as the level of the problem. For the most part, doctors will require medications to ease the pain as well as physical therapy. Yet, in most patients, the pain goes away within a few weeks by itself.

A pinched sciatic nerve is one that leaves you with pain throughout your hips and legs. It's often behind muscle weaknesses there as well as an uncomfortable tenderness. You may have problems sleeping, too. Treatment can help.