The sciatic nerve provides sensation to a large portion of your legs and buttocks as well as part of your lower back. Compression of this nerve can cause pain, numbness and tingling anywhere along its path. Pain can worsen during a run, particularly if you injure or overextend muscles that lie near the nerve. However, movement and stretching may also relieve pain. Talk to your doctor about your sciatica before beginning a running program.
Sciatic Nerve Pathway
The largest and longest single nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve traces a path from your lower spine, down the backs of your legs and ending in each foot, according to Spine Health. It functions to provide sensation and strength to the leg, receiving and relaying the signals that create your reflexes. It innervates the outside of the thigh, the hamstring muscles in the back of the thigh, your lower leg muscles and your feet.
Sciatica
Any pain caused by impingement of the sciatic nerve is referred to as sciatica. Injuries to the spinal column or one of the discs that lie between each vertebrae can cause nerve compression. Tight or injured muscles can also impinge the nerve. Pain symptoms vary, ranging from low back pain to sharp, "electric" sensations that radiate from your hip down to your foot. You can also experience loss of strength or sensation as well as impaired pain or touch reflexes. These symptoms can hinder your ability to run or walk.
Piriformis Syndrome
Although rare, piriformis syndrome can lead to sciatic pain. The piriformis is a muscle that lies deep in the buttocks, over the sciatic nerve. Frequently using the muscles along the backs of the legs -- like when you run -- can lead to muscle injury or tightening, particularly if you don't stretch regularly. A tight or injured piriformis compresses the sciatic nerve, leading to pain in the buttock that can radiate further down your leg, according to National Instute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Stretching the piriformis and other muscles in your hip can help reduce pain. Applying warm compresses before you run -- if no injury is present -- can also loosen the muscles. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, or inject corticosteroids near site where the piriformis muscle and sciatic nerve meet to reduce pain.
Other Considerations
Because sciatica can stem from injuries to your spine, talk to your doctor about your pain. If running aggravates your symptoms, stop or reduce the intensity. Discuss proper stretching techniques with your doctor or a physical therapist to loosen muscles in the hip. Massage and chiropractic work are other options for pain management.
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