Sciatica Pain: What Albuquerque Residents Need to Know

Sciatica isn’t a diagnosis; it’s a symptom. It refers to the pain, tingling, or numbness that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve—the longest nerve in your body. For many in Albuquerque, it feels like a bolt of lightning shooting from the lower back through the hip and down to the foot.

The Source of the Spark

The sciatic nerve can be compressed at several points. For some, it’s a herniated disc in the lumbar spine. For others, it’s Piriformis Syndrome, where a small muscle in the gluteal region becomes so tight it “strangles” the nerve. We see this frequently in Albuquerque drivers who spend long hours in their vehicles or hikers who have recently increased their elevation gain on the Sandia trails.

Why Stays “Trapped”

Most people try to stretch through sciatica, but if the nerve is inflamed, aggressive stretching can actually make the symptoms worse. Nerves don’t like to be stretched; they like to slide.

The MyoRehab Approach

· Nerve Gliding: We teach specific “flossing” movements that help the nerve slide through its protective sheath without tension.

· Mechanical Diagnosis: We determine if your pain is “directional,” meaning specific movements can actually push the disc material away from the nerve.

· Pelvic Alignment: Ensuring your hips are level to prevent the piriformis muscle from overworking.