If you have sciatica, you know how unbearable it can be. The pain ranges from light to excruciating and can lead to a whole lot of canceled plans. If you have leg pain that you can’t quite pin, it could very well be sciatica.

But what kind of pain does sciatica cause exactly? Can sciatica cause calf pain? Read on for the answers.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition that causes pain specifically in the legs and spine. It happens when the sciatic nerve is pinched. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body, and rungs from your spine down through your legs.

If you have herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis, you might get sciatica. Pregnancy can also put pressure on the sciatic nerve. This is especially true in the third trimester.

When you have sciatica, you can expect a lot of varied leg pains.

Can Sciatica Cause Calf Pain?

The short answer is yes, sciatica can cause calf pain.

Just because you have calf pain, though, doesn’t automatically mean you have sciatica. Calf pain can also come from simple muscle cramps and muscle strains.

There are a number of conditions that cause calf pain. These include plantar fasciitis, arterial claudication, and Achilles tendinitis. If you have sudden calf pain, it’s best to consult a doctor before jumping to conclusions.

Sciatica can also cause numbness and tingling in the leg and calf. If you have pain, numbness, and tingling, then you might have sciatica.

What Can I Do About Sciatica Pain?

There are a lot of things you can do to alleviate sciatica pain.

Simple techniques like applying heat or cold packs gives temporary relief to many. There are sciatica-specific stretches and exercises you can perform.

Physical therapy and massages are a great option for many people. This helps work out the pinched nerve, giving you long-lasting relief. You will need to keep making visits for the best results.

Anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants are another effective option. In more serious cases, anti-seizure medication has been found to help. Steroid injections and surgery may be another avenue to explore.

Some people use CBD for sciatica. CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory, and much less harmful than prescription medications. Plus, there are no negative side effects.

If CBD relieves your sciatica pain, you might as well stick with it. Your body will thank you for it. CBD offers a great number of benefits on top of pain relief, too.

Say Goodbye to Sciatic Pain

Sciatica is no fun, but it doesn’t have to be debilitating.

If you think you have sciatica, head to your doctor as soon as possible. They’ll be able to do some quick tests and tell you for sure. The faster you get on top of it, the faster you’ll find a remedy that works for you.

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