Sciatica

Sciatica is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is made up of multiple nerve roots. These nerve roots travel from multiple areas of the spine. The highest (most superior) area is the lower lumbar spine and continues down the spine to the sacrum. The roots are categorized as L4 (travels under lumbar vertebrae number 4), L5 (travels under lumbar vertebrae number 5), S1 (travels through the first sacral hole (foramen)), S2 (travels through the seconds sacral foramen), S3 (travels through the third sacral foramen).

Skeletal causes of sciatica: Compression of the disks between the lumbar vertebrae or narrowing of the sacral holes can contribute to compression of the sciatic nerve roots and lead to pain

The muscle that initially travels with the sciatic nerve is called the piriformis muscle. Most commonly, the nerve travels under this muscle but the upper part of the nerve bundle can travel through the muscle, in front of or on top of it as well. While some of these positions make it more likley for you to develop sciatica, you can develop sciatic from compression of the nerve by this muscle regardless of nerve orientation. Other muscles in this area can also compress the nerve.

Muscular causes of sciatica: Comrpession of the nerve directly by the piriformis muscle, gemelli and obturator muscles of the deep gluteal compartment. When this is the cause of your sciatic pain, you are more likely to experience pain in the buttocks and exacerbation of related pain when seated.

Treatment when muscle compression is the case: Deep Transverse massage is shown to alleviate sciatic pain caused by muscle compression.