SCIATICA SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, PREVENTION, AND TREATMENT

 

sciatica

 

Pain that follows the sciatic nerve’s course is referred to as sciatica. The sciatic nerve runs down each leg from the lower back via the hips and buttocks.

The most frequent causes of sciatica are a herniated disc or an expansion of bone pressing against a portion of the nerve. In the affected leg, this results in inflammation, discomfort, and frequently some numbness.

Although sciatica pain can be extremely painful, the majority of patients get better in a few weeks with treatment. Surgery might be necessary for people with severe sciatica, significant leg weakness, or bowel or bladder problems.

 

SYMPTOMS:

Nearly everywhere along the nerve route may experience sciatica discomfort. A path from the lower back to the buttock, the back of the thigh, and the calf is particularly likely to be followed.

The discomfort might range from a dull ache to a scorching, stabbing sensation. It can occasionally feel like an electric shock or jolt. Coughing, sneezing, or prolonged sitting might make it worse. Sciatica typically only affects one side of the body.

Moreover, some people experience tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness in their feet or legs. There may be pain in one area of the leg while there may be numbness in another.

 

CAUSES:

The majority of sciatica sufferers are between the ages of 30 and 50. Because the growing uterus presses on the sciatic nerve during pregnancy, women may be more likely to experience the issue. These are some other causes.

causes of sciatica
A herniated disc is the most frequent reason for sciatica. The discs act as cushions between your spine’s vertebrae. As you age, these discs become weaker and more prone to damage.

 

1. Spinal stenosis: 

The spinal canal may become narrowed as a result of the vertebrate’s typical wear and tear. Spinal stenosis is the term for this constriction.

2. Spinal tumors:

Sometimes tumors growing inside or along the spinal cord or sciatic nerve can cause sciatica.

3. Piriformis syndrome: 

The piriformis is a muscle located deep within the buttocks. Piriformis syndrome: It goes straight over the sciatic nerve and joins the lower spine to the upper thigh bone. Piriformis syndrome, which results in sciatic nerve pressure.

4. A heavy wallet can initiate Piriformis syndrome:

You still wouldn’t think of having too much money as a source of discomfort, but a big wallet can cause piriformis syndrome.

5. Sacroiliitis: 

Sacroiliac joint inflammation, or sacroiliitis, can affect either or both of these joints. Pain from sacroiliitis may radiate down one or both legs and into the buttocks and lower back. An infection, pregnancy, injury, or arthritis can all lead to sacroiliitis.

6. Infection or Injury: 

Other causes of sciatica include injury, infection, or inflammation of the muscles, such as a fracture.

 7. Bone spur: 

When the sciatic nerve is compressed, sciatica develops. Sciatica is brought on by bone spurs, an overgrowth of bone that compresses the spinal nerve.

 

RISK FACTOR:

1. Age:

Age is one of the sciatica risk factors. The most frequent causes of sciatica are aging-related changes to the spine, such as herniated discs and bone spurs.

2. Obesity: 

Obesity puts more strain on the spine.

3. Occupation: 

Work that involves twisting the back, lifting large objects, or long-distance driving may contribute to sciatica.

4. Excessive sitting: 

Sciatica is more common in those who spend a lot of time sitting or are inactive than in those who are active.

5. Diabetes: 

The probability of nerve injury is increased by this disorder, which alters how the body uses blood sugar.

 

 DIAGNOSIS:

1. Examination:

 Your doctor will ask you about the kind and location of your pain to assess whether you have sciatica. You can be instructed to bend, walk on your toes or heels, or lift your leg straight up. These muscle tests can be used by your doctor to determine whether the sciatic nerve is irritated.

2. Imaging:

1.
To learn more about the position and source of the inflamed nerve, your doctor may conduct imaging tests, such as an MRI. The alignment of vertebral discs, ligaments, and muscles can be seen using an MRI.

      The spinal cord and nerves can also be seen clearly on a CT scan using contrast dye. The method of treatment can be influenced by identifying the source of sciatica.

3     X-rays can be used to detect bone abnormalities but cannot find nerve issues.

 

PREVENTION:

Sciatica might reoccur, and its prevention is not always achievable.

1. Do regular exercise: 

Engage in regular exercise to protect your back. Work the core muscles to maintain the back strong.

2. Maintain your posture while you are in a sitting position: 

When seated, maintain excellent posture. Choose a seat with arms, a rotating base, and decent lower back support.

3. Make proper use of your body: 

When standing for extended amounts of time, occasionally rest one foot on a stool or small box. Let your legs do the lifting when you are lifting anything heavy.


TREATMENT:

Sciatica treatment



Mild sciatica typically disappears over time. You might need to spend one or two days in bed when you first have sciatica. To ensure that your spine remains strong, it’s crucial to get back to your normal activities as soon as you can.

1. Ice and heat sponging: 

There are actions you can be performed at home to reduce sciatica pain, including ice and heat sponging. An ice pack or heating pad could be especially useful. Every two hours, apply heat or ice for roughly 20 minutes.

2. Medication: 

Over-the-counter painkillers can temporarily ease sciatica symptoms. Options include acetaminophen and NSAIDs including aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen.

3. Stretching: 

Try to keep moving while your sciatica heals. Movement can assist in lessening discomfort and inflammation. You can learn how to gently stretch your lower back and hamstrings from a physical therapist.

4. Injections: 

To treat severe cases, a doctor may advise injecting a steroid medication into the spine region.

5. Surgery: 

Surgery may be a possibility that your sciatica is caused by a bulging disc and is still very painful after four to six weeks.

6. Rehabilitation: 

You should normally prevent driving, lifting, and forward bending for about a month after back surgery. Your doctor can advise physical therapy to help you improve your back muscles.

7. Other treatments: 

Acupuncture, massage, yoga, and chiropractic adjustments have all been shown to be effective in treating common lower back pain.