The sciatic nerve can be found running from the end of the spine, down the leg, and all the way to the toes. Did you know that the sciatic nerve is the largest one in your body? Perhaps you already knew these things if you have ever suffered from the painful condition known as sciatica. This is often caused by a bulging disk in the back. On the other hand, it’s possible to have a bulging disk and not feel any pain, but when pain is present it tends to be quite severe. Also, the pain is usually found on just one side of your body.

Photo: JD’na

However, you should also know that sciatica is often over-diagnosed, and that a lot of regular back pain is tagged as being sciatica. There are many causes for leg and back pain, but it isn’t always sciatica. Therefore, you need to be sure that you have received the correct diagnosis, and that something else isn’t causing the pain. Read the rest of this entry »