Sciatica: pain radiating down the leg – causes and how to help yourself

Why does it hurt?

Sciatica is one of the most common causes of pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg. It is not a disease, but a symptom. It occurs when the sciatic nerve in the lower spine is irritated or compressed.

It most often starts in the lower back and spreads:

• through the buttock
• along the back of the thigh
• down to the calf or foot

Typical for sciatica:

• pain occurs in one leg (rarely both)
• often described as “electric” pain or stabbing
• tingling or numbness may occur
• worsens with certain movements or positions

In about 90% of cases, the cause is a herniated disc pressing on the nerve.

Is it really sciatica?

You may suspect sciatica if:

• the pain starts in the lower back and travels down the leg
• one leg is significantly more affected
• you feel tingling, burning, or an “electric shock” in the leg
• the pain changes depending on body position

If the pain remains only in the lower back without spreading to the leg, it is probably not sciatica.

How do people usually describe sciatica?

• “pain goes from my back down my leg”
• “it pulls along the back of my leg”
• “like electricity or a stabbing pain”
• “I feel tingling in my leg”

Symptoms of sciatica

The most typical sign of sciatica is pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg. It often occurs on one side only.

Najčešći simptomi:

• bol u donjem dijelu leđa koja se širi u stražnjicu i niz nogu
• sharp, burning, or “electric” pain
• tingling or a stabbing sensation in the leg
• numbness in part of the leg or foot
• feeling of weakness in the leg

Typical pain patterns:

• pain worsens when sitting or standing up
• may intensify when coughing or sneezing
• often improves with walking or changing position

Important:

If the pain remains only in the lower back and does not spread to the leg, it is probably not sciatica.

What causes sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve in the lower spine is irritated or compressed. This most often happens due to issues in the lumbar region.

Most common cause: herniated disc

The intervertebral disc bulges or becomes damaged and starts pressing on the nerve. This causes pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg.

This is the cause in the vast majority of cases (around 90%).

Other possible causes:

• narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis)
  less space for nerves → pressure and pain
• degenerative changes of the spine
  aging, wear of discs and joints
• muscle tension or inflammation around the nerve
  additional irritation of an already sensitive nerve

Important:

Sciatica almost always originates from the spine, even when the pain is strongest in the leg.

Similar symptoms can also occur in other conditions, such as osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis.

How to manage sciatica?

There is no single solution for sciatica. The key is to relieve pressure on the nerve, keep moving, and gradually reduce irritation in the affected area.

Relieve pressure on the nerve

Certain positions can quickly worsen or relieve the pain – so it makes sense to first find the position where the pain is least noticeable.

• avoid prolonged sitting
• try lying down with slightly bent legs
• find a position where the pain is least noticeable

Even a small change in position can make a big difference.

Do not stay inactive for too long

Complete rest usually does not help – it often even worsens the condition.

• short walks often reduce pain
• gentle movement prevents additional stiffness
• avoid sudden movements and strain

The goal is movement without additional irritation.

Locally reduces irritation

In sciatica, the nerve is often irritated deep inside, and the pain can spread along the entire leg.

That is why local support is often used:

• application to the lower back and buttock area
• if needed, also along the path of the pain

The goal is to reduce the feeling of tension and irritation in the affected area.

Where to apply?

In sciatica, the pain often travels down the leg, but its source almost always remains in the lower back.

That is why the application is focused on:

• lower back (lumbar spine) – the most common source of the problem buttock area – where the nerve exits and is often most sensitive
• buttock area – where the nerve exits and is often most sensitive
• along the back of the leg – along the path of pain, if needed

In more pronounced cases, a Smrekovit compress can also be used, allowing longer contact and more even application on the affected area.

If the pain travels down the leg, it makes sense to cover the entire path – not just one point.

Consistency is key

Sciatica rarely resolves overnight.

• improvement is often gradual
• regular use and repetition are important
• the condition may worsen for a few days, then begin to improve

this is a normal course

A similar approach is often used for other issues, such as knee pain or heel spur.

When to see a doctor?

• if the pain lasts for several weeks without improvement
• if pronounced weakness appears in the leg
• if you lose sensation in part of the leg or foot

User experience

I use Smrekovit twice a day to relieve back and hip pain. I make sure I use it before every job - gardening. When my daughter suffered from sciatica, she applied the ointment, and after three days her condition improved and the pain did not return.

Franja Šara, Ptuj

[31] handwritten feedback received on an unknown date, kept in the Smrekovit archive

I use Smrekovit for my joints, back, and legs. I had severe sciatica and applied it three times a day — it helped tremendously. I also use capsules. My digestion has settled down perfectly and I no longer have to take stomach medication.

Ida, Zasip

[97] handwritten feedback received on an unknown date, kept in the Smrekovit archive

I have sciatica for more than twenty years in the left leg and lower spine. Surgery is not possible. Weather changes are very painful. Then I massage all the parts with Smrekovit and wrap them warmly and the pain subsides. I am happy with the products because they ease my pain.

Silvana, Branik

[102] handwritten feedback received on 7.5.2018, stored in the Smrekovit archive

I've had sciatica in my right leg for three weeks. It hurts so much that I cannot describe it. I have also started to rub my foot and I have to say that it helps a lot. At least I can walk normally now. The pain in my leg has subsided so that I can sleep.

Ana, Dolenjske toplice

[106] handwritten feedback received on an unknown date, kept in the Smrekovit archive 

Our experience

The story of Smrekovit began with spine problems and pain that radiated down the leg. In the video below, Ivo Konc explains his experience and how the first spruce resin ointment came to be.