La sciatica is a condition that can cause great pain in the lower back and legs. However, there is another condition called truncate sciatica which can be just as painful, but is often mistaken for sciatica.
In this article, we will discuss the definition of this condition, and how it differs from sciatica. We will also give you advice on how to relieve the associated pain.
Contents
Definition: What is truncated sciatica?
Sciatica is a common condition that causes pain in the lower back and legs. The pain is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back to the feet.

La truncate sciatica is a type of sciatica that occurs when the pain does not extend to the leg. It stops rather at the level of the buttocks or the knee.
If the pain stops at the buttocks, it is sometimes called gluteal sciatica, but it is not a medical term. Some people may experience pain on only one side of the body, while others may experience it on both sides.
If you experience bilateral symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor to rule out a more serious condition (such as a spinal cord, the ponytail compression, etc.). Be reassured however, because these conditions are rare.
What is the difference between truncate sciatica and conventional sciatica?
The term sciatica is most often used to describe pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which starts in the lower back and runs down the back of the thigh and the long leg (sometimes up to the big toe). Sciatica usually starts in the lower back and can spread to the toes.
To learn more about sciatica, see the following article.
However, in some cases, the pain may not extend the full length of the leg. This is called a truncate sciatica.

We therefore speak of truncated sciatica when the pain stops at the level of the buttocks or the knee. When the pain stops in the buttock, it is sometimes called gluteal sciatica, but it is not a medical term.
This condition is less common than classic sciatica, which extends to the foot. However, both types of sciatica can be extremely painful and debilitating.
What are the symptoms of truncate sciatica?
Most people with truncate sciatica experience pain in the lower back and buttock, but the pain may also spread to the thigh or knee.
The most common symptom is pain in the lower back or buttock, but it can also spread to the thigh or knee.
The pain is usually worse when sitting or standing for long periods of time, and coughing or sneezing can also make it worse.
Some people may also experience a numbness or tingling of the big toe, as well as a loss of strength. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor so they can diagnose and treat the underlying problem.
What are the causes of truncated sciatica?
La truncate sciatica is usually caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve. This nerve starts from the lower back and runs down the legs. There nerve compression can be caused by various factors, the most important of which is the herniated disc (often L4-L5 or L5-S1).
In addition to herniated disc, there are:
- Arthritis (lumbar arthritis, facet osteoarthritis, zygapophyseal osteoarthritis);
- A tumor ;
- A cerebral vascular accident ;
- Inflammation of muscles or ligaments.

If you are suffering from truncate sciatica, it is important to consult a doctor so that he can diagnose and treat the underlying problem.
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Treatment: How to treat truncated sciatica?
Although the main cause is a herniated disc, treatment for this condition depends on the underlying cause (assessed by clinical examination and imaging tests as needed). In general, it will be necessary to follow a medical treatment. In the absence of response to conservative treatment, more invasive strategies (such as infiltration or surgery) will be opted for.
There are several treatment options to relieve the symptoms of sciatica:

- Rest : Rest is an effective treatment for relieving pain associated with sciatica or herniated disc. Indeed, it is important not to overwork the swollen muscles or ligaments and to give them time to heal, especially in the acute and inflammatory phase. On the other hand, it is essential to know that a prolonged and excessive rest can aggravate the condition, and limit the progression.
- Exercise : exercise can help stretch muscles and relieve pain. Exercises that are particularly beneficial for sufferers are those that strengthen the lower back and abs. It should ideally be followed by a health professional to optimize the results.
- Massage: un lower back and leg massage can help relax muscles and reduce pain. You can ask a professional to massage you, or you can do it yourself (tennis ball, massage gun, etc.) following medical recommendations.
- Medical treatment : If sciatica is caused by inflammation of the muscles or ligaments, it may be worth seeing a doctor so they can prescribe anti-inflammatories or other medications to relieve pain.
- Kinesitherapy (physiotherapy): Physical therapy is another treatment option that can help relieve the pain associated with this condition. Physiotherapy aims to stretch the muscles (such as the piriformis muscle), and improve mobility. There McKenzie technique is particularly effective for cases of herniated discs or radiating pain. Physiotherapy sessions can be performed by a professional or at home (via home exercises).
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an alternative treatment technique that can help relieve associated pain. Acupuncture involves inserting needles into strategic points on the body to reduce pain. It is not supported by concrete scientific evidence, but seems to help many patients.
- Yoga: Yoga is another natural treatment option that can help relieve the pain associated with sciatica. Yoga aims to stretch and strengthen the muscles, which can help reduce pain. It is important to consult a professional, and stop when the pain gets worse.
- Surgery : in extreme cases, sciatica may result from a serious condition or fail to respond to conservative treatments. With this in mind, it may be necessary to undergo surgery to relieve pain and resume activities.
Alternative treatments: What about natural remedies?
Although they are not supported by solid scientific evidence, several natural products and grandmother's remedies are used to treat pain due to truncated sciatica, in particular for their anti-inflammatory power.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of plants and essential oils that are effective in controlling pain and inflammation. The products are available on the site Country. Use promo code LOMBAFIT15 if you wish to obtain one of the following products, or any remedy aimed at relieving your symptoms and improving your quality of life:
- Turmeric. Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers very powerful, turmeric is one of the most used plants in a culinary and therapeutic context. The composition of turmeric is essentially made of essential oils, vitamins (B1, B2, B6, C, E, K) and trace elements. But it is to its composition rich in curcumin and curcuminoids that we owe them and calm skin of this spice.
- Ginger. In addition to the special flavor it brings to the kitchen and its aphrodisiac properties, ginger is a root well known for its anti-inflammatory powers. the gingerol gives it its anti-inflammatory action. It is an active component acting on the inflammatory pain related to chronic joint inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, rheumatic diseases, etc. It has been proven that this active element is also effective in acting on the inflammation linked to arthritis and sciatica. Ginger also has other benefits thanks to its high potassium content and its richness in trace elements (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium) and vitamins (provitamin and vitamin B9).
- Omega-3s. Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fatty acids that play a very important role in the functioning of our body. They are provided by food in three natural forms: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Beyond their action on the brain and the cardiovascular system, omega-3s prove very effective against inflammation. Indeed, they have the ability to act on the inflammatory mechanisms in osteoarthritis by slowing down cartilage destruction, thus they reduce the intensity of osteoarthritis pain. Sciatica, being most often linked to an inflammation secondary to a herniated disc, it can also respond to omega-3 provided it is consumed regularly.
- Lemon eucalyptus. Eucalyptus is a plant most often used in the form of herbal tea or essential oil. She would have anti-inflammatory effects which give it the ability to act on the bone and joint pain in general and the pain of sciatica in particular.
- wintergreen. Wintergreen is a shrub from which a very interesting essential oil is extracted. It is one of the most used essential oils in aromatherapy. This oil extracted from the shrub bearing the same name, is used in massage to relieve sciatica and act like a analgesic. Indeed, it provides a heating effect thanks to its ability toactivate blood circulation locally.
En conclusion
La truncate sciatica is a painful condition that can be caused by different causes, such as a herniated disc, arthritis, tumor or stroke.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, but there are several ways to relieve the pain associated with this condition. If you think you have this condition, it's important to see a doctor so they can diagnose and treat the underlying problem.