What is Sciatica - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
When pain runs down the sciatic nerve's course, it is referred to as sciatica. The sciatic nerve passes through the buttocks and hips before descending each leg from the lower back. An inflamed, compressed, or pinched sciatic nerve in the lower back is the source of sciatica pain. This discomfort could radiate along the outer, front, or back of the leg. While slow onset is certainly possible, it is more common for it to happen after activities like heavy lifting. A common description of the discomfort is as "shooting."
The longest and thickest nerve in the body, is the sciatic nerve. It actually consists of five nerve roots: three from the sacrum, the last segment of the spine, and two from the lower back region known as the lumbar spine. A right and left sciatic nerve is created by the union of the five nerve roots. One sciatic nerve per side of your body travels through the hips, buttocks, and leg, where it terminates just below the knee. The sciatic nerve splits off into additional nerves, which go down your leg and into your foot and toes.
Although a true sciatic nerve damage is extremely rare, the term "sciatica" is frequently used to refer to any discomfort that starts in the lower back and radiates down the leg. The cause of this discomfort is usually a nerve damage, such as irritation, inflammation, pinching, or compression of a nerve in your lower back.
Anywhere along the sciatic nerve's course, from the lower back, down the hips, buttocks, and/or down your legs, if you have "sciatica," you will feel minor to severe pain. In addition, it can result in toe and leg numbness, muscle weakness in the leg and foot, and an uncomfortable pins-and-needles sensation.
Mild aches to intense, burning pains are all possible with sciatica. A jolt or electric shock could occasionally be the feeling. When you cough, sneeze, or sit down for a prolonged period of time, it can get worse. Only one side of the body is typically affected by sciatica. Some individuals also experience tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness in their foot or leg. Both painful and numb sensations can occur in the same area of the leg.
- Lower back, buttock, and leg pain that ranges from moderate to severe.
- Your legs, feet, buttocks, or lower back may feel numb or weak.
- Mobility loss and pain that gets worse with movement.
- You experience "pins and needles" in your feet, toes, or legs.
- A lack of bladder and bowel control.
A nerve root being pressed by a bulging or slipping disc. Typically, sciatica is brought on by this.
- The spine's intervertebral discs naturally deteriorate over time, which is known as degenerative disc disease. As the sciatic nerve roots exit the spine, spinal stenosis may entrap them.
- Spondylolisthesis
- Osteoarthritis
- A lumbar spine or sciatic nerve injury from trauma.
- The sciatic nerve being compressed by tumors in the lumbar spinal canal.
- Alterations to the spine brought on by ageing.
- Obesity, which may put the spine under additional stress.
- Jobs that require you to twist your back or lift heavy objects.
- Extended sitting
- Diabetes, which can make nerve damage more likely.
During your physical examination, you will be asked to walk so that the doctor can assess how your spine supports your weight. To assess your calf muscles' strength, you could be asked to walk on your toes and heels. Additionally, a straight leg raise test might be performed by your medical professional.
You will lie on your back and extend your legs straight during this test. Your healthcare professional will raise each leg gradually while noting the location of your pain's onset. This test detects whether one of your discs is malfunctioning and aids in localizing the afflicted nerves. Additional stretches and actions will be requested of you to help the doctor locate the pain and assess your muscle strength and flexibility.
Imaging and other tests may be carried out, depending on what your healthcare professional learns during your physical examination. They might consist of:
- Use an X-ray to look for bone spurs because it creates images of the inside of your body.
- In order to see your spinal cord and spinal nerves more clearly, a CT scan is performed.
Self-Care Treatments:
Appling Ice and/or Hot Packs: In order to relieve discomfort and swelling, start by using cold packs. Apply frozen vegetable bags or ice packs to the affected area in a towel-wrapped fashion. Apply many times daily for 20 minutes. Once you've gone through the first few days, switch to a hot pack or a heating pad. At a time, use for 20 minutes. Choose the hot or cold compress that helps you feel better if you're still in pain.
Performing Gentle Stretches: From a trainer with knowledge of low back discomfort, learn the right stretches. Gradually progress to further general strengthening, core muscular strengthening, and aerobic workouts.
Some of the following therapies may be helpful for pain that doesn't go away with self-care techniques.
Medications: The following categories of medications can be used to alleviate sciatica pain (Conuslt your healthcare provider before taking anytype of medicines):
- Anti-inflammatories
- Corticosteroids
- Opioids
Physical Therapy: Upon pain relief, a healthcare professional might create a plan to assist in preventing further accidents. Exercises to strengthen the core, enhance range of motion, and correct posture are frequently included in this.
Steroid Injections: An injection of a corticosteroid medicine into the region surrounding the painful nerve root may be helpful in some circumstances. One shot frequently lessens pain. In a calendar year, up to three doses may be administered.
Surgery: A bone spur or a section of a herniated disc that is impinging on a nerve can be surgically removed. However, surgery is typically only performed if sciatica results in extreme paralysis, loss of bowel or bladder control, or pain that doesn't get better with other treatments.
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