Sciatica is a common problem for many people, including athletes, and can lead to pain that will radiate from the lower back to the leg. Sciatica is essential not a medical condition, but rather a severe symptom, caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve. It is important for an athlete to recognize the symptoms of sciatica, because it can hinder his or her athletic ability, and eventually lead to severe back or leg complications.

Here is what every athlete should know regarding the symptoms and treatment of sciatica, so that he or she can get a diagnosis, and continue to play sports as desired.

Sciatica Symptoms

An athlete needs to be very aware of the symptoms of sciatica, in order to prevent

Back Pain and Sciatica

the condition from getting worse. Some of the most obvious symptoms of sciatica include lower back pain, pain that radiates down to the legs, and a feeling of pins or needles in the legs. The pain in the back might be sharp at times, especially if an athlete is playing sports, and it will get worse if he or she continues the activity. An athlete might also notice that the pain increases while coughing, sneezing, and even sitting down after strenuous activity. If an athlete chooses to lie down, he or she might notice the pain eases, especially if he or she is lying on a certain side of the body. There will also be noticeable pain if an athlete puts pressure on a certain part of the lower back, and he or she might be able to feel a small lump in the back. Muscle spasms might also accompany the lower back pain, and an athlete will be able to feel the spasms occur, especially if he or she is sitting down at a table or desk. The spasms might only last a few seconds, but can last hours, and it will feel like a knife being stuck into the back. An athlete might also notice discomfort or pain in the leg, which will get worse after he or she stops physical activity, and spasms could also occur in the leg.

Sciatica Treatment Options

Treatment options that are available for sciatica are fairly general in nature, but an athlete should always seek medical advice if the pain persists. The persistent pain could be a sign of a herniated disc or other serious medical condition, and an athlete should stop all physical activity until the medical condition is treated. One of the most common treatment options for an athlete with sciatica is bed rest. An athlete should stop all participation in sports during this time, and focus on lying in bed, and in a position which can relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. An athlete could also choose to take anti-inflammatory medications, which can relieve the inflammation around the sciatic nerve. Prescription pain medications or over-the-counter pain medications can be used to alleviate the pain associated with sciatica, and a back brace can be used to apply support to the lower back. An athlete should also seek out a sports doctor if the sciatica does not improve, since a sports doctor can help provide treatment specifically to help him or her get back to normal activity, especially if the injury was sports related. A sports doctor can determine the exact cause of the sciatica, use mobilization treatments for the spine, prescribe medications, and can give an athlete a sports massage. A sports massage can help relieve the pressure around the sciatic nerve, and can be beneficial for any other sports injuries. An athlete might also consider doing simple exercises to alleviate the lower back pain, which can help provide flexibility to the muscles, and take pressure off of the sciatic nerve. An athlete should focus on back exercises and leg exercises, since these are the specific regions that sciatica hits the hardest. If an athlete gets proper treatment, then he or she will be back playing sports within a matter of a week or two.

So, if you have been involved in some physical activity or exercise and start experiencing a sharp, hot pain down the back of your leg, then you are probably the unfortunate recipient of sciatic pain.  The following video will give you some suggestions for immediate treatment and, hopefully, some relief.

Back Pain and Sciatica

If, however, you are not a lot better in a few days, then you probably need to see a doctor who may prescribe some physical therapy and some pain medication.  Back pain and sciaticaare not fun, so don’t be afraid to seek some professional medical help to lessen your suffering and give you some relief.

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