The Sciatic Nerve

• The sciatic nerve is about the size of the width of a thumb and runs through the vertebrae of the lumbar back down each of the legs to the foot.
  
  

Development

• Typically, sciatica develops when the nerve becomes either impinged, compressed or otherwise irritated either through a bulging disc or when the vertebrae shifts.
  
  

Symptoms

• Although pain, which can travel from the buttocks and down the leg, is generally the most prevalent symptom of sciatica, other symptoms include weakness and numbness.
  
  

Massage

• Massage therapy can be beneficial in alleviating sciatica symptoms, such as the Feldenkrais method, which helps patients to retrain their body and prevent re-injury.
  
  

Acupuncture

• The use of acupuncture can offer relief for sciatica sufferers by helping to halt the signal of pain to the brain. WHO suggests using acupuncture as a safe therapy for sciatica. (Still, check with your doctor first.)
  
  

Preventing Sciatica

• Maintaining a good weight for your body type, learning how to sit and stand properly and strengthening the back muscles through a regular exercise regimen, can help prevent sciatica and other back problems.