Your sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It runs from your lower back through your buttock and down each of your legs. Sciatic nerve pain, known as sciatica, is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve and its branches. In some cases, nerve pain may be the result of a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12
The B complex vitamins are essential for the health of your nerves. Vitamin B12 in particular helps produce myelin, the protective coating that surrounds your delicate nerve tissues. The myelin sheath around your nerve is similar to insulation around electrical wiring. A deficiency in B12 causes your nerves to become damaged. Strict vegetarians are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency as it is found in meat products such as liver, tuna, pork roast and cheese, according to the book "Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies" by Frances Sienkiewicz Sizer and colleagues.
Other Causes
Sciatica itself is not a disorder, it is a symptom of another underlying problem such as a vitamin B12 deficiency. Sciatica is also commonly caused by a herniated disk. Disks are pads of cartilage, filled with a gel-like substance, that separate the bones in your spine. These disks keep your spine mobile and act as shock absorbers when you move. A herniated disc occurs if the outer covering of a disk tears. When this happens, gel may seep out and press on a nerve root. This results in pain in your back, leg or both, reports the Mayo Clinic.
Sciatica
Sciatica normally radiates from your lower back down your leg and calf. The pain may vary widely in intensity and may feel like an electric shock. Pain may also be accompanied by numbness or muscle weakness. Tingling may also be felt, usually in your foot. In some rare instances, you may experience a loss of bladder or bowel control. If this occurs, you should seek medical care immediately as it indicates you may have a serious condition known as cauda equina syndrome.
Home Treatments
You can relieve some of the discomfort of sciatica with the use of ice packs for 20 minutes every 3 hours; however, depending on the cause of your pain, more aggressive treatments may be needed such as medications, physical therapy and, in some cases, steroid injections. Before starting any treatment, consult your doctor.
References
- "Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies;" Frances Sienkiewicz Sizer et al.; 2011
- Mayo Clinic; Scatia
