If we have back pain that refers down the leg, it may be sciatica so we act on it. However, if it is just toe pain or any other symptoms in the foot we try to shake it off and hope it goes away. But what if the toe pain is actually sciatica, how would you know?

Let’s break it down. The sciatic nerve courses from the back down the leg to the feet and toes. It splits into several branches and has several names to explain their course and distribution. But ultimately, they all span from the same nerve.

Due to our body mechanics, the sciatic nerve can become entrapped in the back, in the bottom, back of the upper leg, the calf (where it splits into two other nerves) and the ankle where a “tunnel” appears as well as a reduced surface area (think two lanes merging into one) for tendons, vessels and nerves to course, which in turn, significantly increases chances of entrapment. Then there is the foot, where (long story short) a distant branch of the sciatic nerve, the inferior (meaning below) calcaneal nerve can be entrapped around the heel (known as Baxter’s nerve entrapment- I actually know someone with the name that experiences foot pain).

Ok right back to it as it does not stop there. Entrapment in the arch via the Medial (inner) or lateral (outer) plantar nerve (bottom of foot) which directly supplies the big toe, can also lead to symptoms such as burning toe pain, tingling numbness etc.

One’s back, hip and foot mechanics will tell the story of what may be going on, where.

So if you experience toe pain or any toe symptoms for that matter, think again. Because after all now you know, toe pain can indeed lead to back pain.

A nerve learns, it tolerates, it conditions and then eventually it can give back, though, maybe not in the way you’d expect it to.

A nerve can only give back what it is given.

Take for example the daily habit of sitting at a desk. Nerves lengthen and shorten to accommodate this activity. How can we expect it to simply adapt to a new environment without questioning?

Some of us may be fortunate enough to get away without many questions, whereas, some may not.

If nerves scream or shout, there is always a valid reason, you just need to figure out what that reason is.

There is a descriptive phrase, that “nerves scream at rest”, suggesting a feeling of intense pain or discomfort, even when someone is supposedly resting. This feeling could be related to nerve damage, nerve pain, or an overactive nervous system.

Often unexpected change is what causes injuries/problems to happen. From irritations to entrapments. From sensitisation to desensitisation.

Like learning a new skill which takes some honing, nerves and other tissues in and around the body adjust in the same way.

Learn how to modulate the nerves through common modalities like stretching and strengthening. If you sit for long, standing may help temporarily. But that alone simply can’t change much.

Train your nerves to learn a new range, to cater for both sitting and standing, bending and lifting etc. Doing something once or ad hoc is not enough. Give it a valid reason to adapt and with time, you’ll forget you had a problem in the first place. You’ll simply be left with a good habit to balance out the bad.

The longer you sit - the weaker and tighter your calves become. Your hamstrings become“much starved of oxygen” from its progressive lengthened state. Your back will definitely not be thanking you for this. The long term result - poor blood flow and balance issues as you age. While sitting for work may be a pre-requisite, Using a foot rest to keep yours calves, hamstrings and feet engaged, may be a blessing that you are yet to receive. Nothing can substitute standing up but, this simple yet subtle introduction to your working ergo, will Improve blood flow and balance, even while you sit. Now that’s thinking smarter, to function better.