The sciatic nerve, which is the longest in the human body, runs from your lower back and branches out down both legs. Sciatica is pain relating to the sciatic nerve. By itself, sciatica is not an illness or disease, it is a symptom. The reason for having this pain while walking would depend on what condition is causing the symptom. It is critical to know what condition is causing your discomfort. Only a doctor can properly diagnose the problem.
Causes
Sciatica is a symptom and secondary to a primary medical problem. Some possible causes of sciatic pain include a herniated disk, narrowing of the spine, or stenosis, degenerative disk disease and muscle tightness or spasm from prolonged sitting. Trauma may also be the origin of the symptom. If you have fallen or been in an accident, the damage may cause sciatic pinching or irritation.
Pinpointing the Pain
The type pain you have and where it starts is one way to get handle on what may be causing the sciatica. The sciatic nerve is very long. The location of the pain indicates where along the nerve there may be a problem. Pain in the lower back indicates a problem higher up and is likely a herniated disk or other spine issue. Pain down one leg, as opposed to both, might be pinching or irritation of the nerve below the branching point.
Indications of a Serious Problem
Most sciatic pain is minor and will improve over time with home treatment. Minor problems generally get better when you walk, according to Wisconsin-based chiropractic orthopedist Steven Yeomans. If the pain is sharp in the lower back or down one leg this may be more serious. If either leg is numb or tingling and is accompanied by weakness or muscle fatigue, this can indicate a progressive problem that needs medical attention.
Treatment
See your doctor if you have not already. You should not attempt to treat the sciatica until you know what is causing it. Take a few days off from walking if possible, but limit your rest to a few days. Resting too much will tighten up the muscles and possibly make the pain more intense. If the pain is mild, continue walking or change to a different form of low-impact aerobic exercise, such as using a stationary bike. Do hamstring stretches regularly. For example, place one foot forward and one slightly back. Bend at the waist over the forward leg to stretch the thigh. You can ice the painful site with a cold pack to reduce inflammation before and after walking. Leave the ice in place for approximately 20 minutes. Alternating heat and cold after your workout may also help with pain relief.
