Before discussing the ways to relieve sciatica, we should understand what it is and why it occurs.
The sciatic nerve branches out from the spine to the buttock and goes down to the back of each leg. Then, it divides into the thigh, calf, foot, and eventually the toes. As the longest and widest nerve in your body, if the sciatic nerve is injured, it can cause a sharp pain in the leg, making walking or standing difficult.
Sciatica occurs when there are pinched nerves from spinal stenosis, herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, or general aging. Pregnancy, scar tissue, muscle strain, spinal tumors, and infections may also trigger pinched nerves.