If you are feeling shooting pain in your backside or buttocks, you may be dealing with sciatica pain. This sharp, shocking, or shooting discomfort often appears suddenly and can interfere with daily life. According to the Mayo Clinic, sciatica happens when a herniated disk or an overgrowth of bone presses on part of the nerve. As a result, the nerve becomes inflamed and produces pain or numbness in the affected leg.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica occurs when pressure affects the sciatic nerve. This pressure usually comes from a herniated disk or a bony overgrowth in the spine. These structural changes irritate the nerve, and the irritation leads to inflammation, discomfort, and sometimes tingling or numbness.
It is helpful to distinguish between two terms. The sciatic nerve is the large nerve running from the lower back through the legs. Sciatica, however, refers to the condition that occurs when this nerve becomes irritated or compressed.
What Causes a Sciatica Flare-Up?
Understanding what triggers sciatica can help you prevent flare-ups. Several lifestyle and health factors can aggravate the sciatic nerve. Moreover, identifying these factors early allows you to make changes before the discomfort worsens.
Back Pocket Sciatica
One of the most easily preventable causes is “back pocket sciatica.” For example, sitting with a wallet or cellphone in your back pocket can apply pressure to the piriformis muscle. When this muscle tightens, it may irritate the sciatic nerve. Removing objects from your pockets before sitting is a simple way to avoid unnecessary discomfort.
