Sciatica From a Herniated Disc: How To Relieve the Pain?

Why does a herniated disk cause sciatica?

How to recognise sciatica?

The term sciatica (or sciatic neuralgia) is used when the sciatic nerve is affected.

The sciatic nerve originates from the lumbar vertebrae L4 and L5 and the first sacral vertebra S1, then runs down the leg.

The sciatic nerve becomes inflamed and causes sciatica when it is compressed or damaged. Many cases of sciatica are caused by a slipped disc pressing on the sciatic nerve along its path. This condition is known as sciatica caused by a herniated disc.

What causes a herniated disc?

A herniated disc is a protrusion that forms on a vertebra. It occurs when a vertebral disc and its gel-like core deteriorate. In most cases, it is a lumbar disc herniation affecting one of the lumbar vertebrae.

The vertebrae are separated by intervertebral discs made up of a fibrous ring and a jelly-like core. These discs act as shock absorbers, protecting the spine from pressure and impacts. With age, heavy lifting, poor posture or repeated strain, the jelly-like core may dry out and the discs can no longer absorb shocks properly. The core may then deform and push out of the intervertebral disc, creating a disc herniation.

Due to their proximity, the herniated disc may compress the sciatic nerve.

What are the symptoms of sciatica from herniated disc?

Since the sciatic nerve starts in the lumbar vertebrae and runs down the leg, sciatica caused by a herniated disc can lead to pain radiating from the lower back down to the foot.

As in many cases of nerve pain, sciatica pain is often described as electric shocks, stabbing pain or burning sensations.

How can sciatica caused by a herniated disc be relieved?

What treatment for sciatica caused by a herniated disc?

In many cases, the herniated disc resolves naturally and sciatica pain gradually improves. While waiting for recovery, taking painkillers or anti-inflammatory medication can help relieve sciatica pain.

If other symptoms occur in addition to pain — such as loss of sensation in the perineum, paralysis, weakness in the leg, constipation, urinary leakage or loss of bladder or bowel control — consult your doctor immediately. A doctor may prescribe physiotherapy sessions to relax tense muscles and reduce sciatic nerve compression, or corticosteroid injections.

In the most severe cases, when the herniated disc does not heal and the pain becomes unbearable, surgery may be considered to remove the herniated disc and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. However, it is important to note that these procedures are not always successful and may sometimes worsen the pain.

How to relieve sciatica pain?

In addition to medication, other solutions can help relieve sciatica pain. It is also important to identify and avoid painful positions or movements in order to reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve.

When suffering from sciatica, sitting at work, at home or in the car can become painful. To help people affected by sciatic nerve pain regain more comfort, Ergotech developed different models of sciatica seat cushions designed for everyday use in various environments.

Thanks to our expertise in ergonomics and conditions as sciatica, we have developed a cushion designed to effectively reduce pain:

• Postural cushion: our sciatica cushion is thicker at the back than at the front to raise the hips and open the pelvis. This position reduces abdominal pressure that may compress the sciatic nerve and helps maintain a more natural spinal curve.
• Sciatica seat cushion: our special sciatica cushion includes coccyx and sacrum relief to reduce pressure in these areas while sitting. In vehicles, this design also prevents vibrations from travelling up the spine.
• Anti-vibration cushion: our car cushion for sciatica helps absorb shocks and vibrations, factors known to worsen sciatic nerve pain.