Sciatica - Symptoms, Causes, and How to Cure

Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition characterised by a sensation that can cause moderate to severe discomfort in the back, buttocks and legs. Additionally, you can have numbness, severe pain or weakness in certain parts of the body.

In other words, pain along the sciatic nerve 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. This results in inflammation, discomfort and frequent numbness in the affected leg. It also directly affects how well you can move and feel your legs.

Causes of Sciatica

An inflammation, irritation, pinching or compression of a nerve that occurs in the lower back causes Sciatica pain. A herniated or slipped disc that puts pressure on the nerve root is the most frequent cause of this condition. Most Sciatica sufferers find relief on their own with time and self-care measures.

The following are classified as some of the primary causes of Sciatica.

Herniated or slipped disk

The most frequent reason for Sciatica is slipped disc. The cushions between each vertebra of the spine are called discs.

Herniated lumbar

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.

Vertebral degeneration

Lumbar disc degeneration can result in lumbago or low back discomfort. Lumbago is a prevalent condition that affects older individuals and causes low back discomfort.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of the spaces within the spine, is a common cause of sciatica. This narrowing can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing pain, tingling, numbness and other symptoms.

When the sciatic nerve root is injured as a result of spinal stenosis, Sciatica pain can result. Exercises like forward bending, or flexion is frequently used to relieve Sciatica caused by spinal stenosis.

Spondylolisthesis

Lumbar radiculopathy can result from spondylolisthesis, which is a low back disorder that often develops gradually as one vertebral body slides forward over the one underneath it. Sciatica is a sign of this condition.

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Studies have indicated that Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can produce pain and other symptoms in the distribution of the primary nerves. Although the Sacroiliac joint is not connected to the sciatic or spinal nerves, it can still produce symptoms like Sciatica.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of bones wears down over time. While osteoarthritis is not typically considered a direct cause of sciatica, it can contribute to the development of sciatica by causing changes to the spine that can put pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica – a symptom of other ailments

A sciatic nerve injury or an area that affects the nerve, including the vertebrae, which are the bones in the neck and back, can result in Sciatica which occurs as a symptom. The following are some of the symptoms of Sciatica.

Pain in the lower back

Pain in the lower back occurs due to a slight tingling, aching or burning sensation. In rare instances, the pain is so severe that it makes a person immobile. The pain typically only affects one side of the body. Some patients have severe discomfort in one hip or leg while having numbness in other areas.

Numbness in the leg

Sciatica significantly elevates numbness or weakness in both legs. Therefore, a person may experience numbness around the bottom, under the genitalia or anywhere else around the body.

Heaviness in the affected leg

Sciatica mostly affects only one leg. The affected leg often feels heavy as a result of the ailment. Rarely, both legs may experience the same problem.

Postures

If you have Sciatica, your body posture may be aggravating the issue. Various parts of your body can stress the nerve depending on your posture, resulting in pain.

Muscle spasm

Heat or cold therapy can be used to alleviate muscle spasms, which may be present together with sciatic discomfort. Your doctor might advise you to take brief strolls and receive physical therapy. Your doctor could also recommend back-strengthening activities once you've recovered.

Risk factors of Sciatica

Sciatica risk factors include

Age

The most frequent causes of Sciatica are ageing-related changes to the spine, such as herniated discs and bone spurs.

Obesity

Obesity puts more strain on the spine, which can cause Sciatica.

Occupation

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

Prolonged sitting

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

Diabetes

The risk of nerve injury is higher due to Diabetes, which alters how the body uses blood sugar.

Diagnosis of Sciatica

There are numerous ways to diagnose Sciatica. The following are some of them.

X-ray

An overgrowth of bone that might be pressing on a nerve can be seen on a spine X-ray.

CT scan

Before taking X-rays during a CT scan, the spinal canal may be injected with a dye (CT myelogram). The spinal cord and spinal nerves are easier to spot in the images as the dye flows around them.

Electromyography (EMG)

The electrical impulses that the nerves and muscles produce are measured by Electromyography (EMG). This examination can determine the extent of a nerve root injury.

Treatments of Sciatica

The following are some of the treatments given for Sciatica.

Non-surgical treatment

Depending on the underlying reason, there are a variety of non-surgical treatments for Sciatica. They might include anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections, physical therapy, aquatic therapy, meditation and nerve blocks.

Medication for Sciatica

The following categories of medications can be used to alleviate sciatica pain.

• Anti-inflammatories
• Corticosteroids
• Antidepressants
• Anti-epileptic drugs
• Opioids

Chiropractic therapy

Chiropractic care is intended to support the body's innate ability to repair itself. Research states that pain, impaired function and performance are caused by restricted spinal movement. Chiropractic treatment is both drug-free and non-surgical.

Depending on the cause of the patient's Sciatica, the chiropractic care treatment will vary. A treatment plan for Sciatica may include several procedures such as spinal manipulations, ultrasonography, TENS and ice or cold therapy.

Spinal injection

An epidural steroid injection or another type of spinal injection can provide secure and efficient alleviation if inflamed tissues, joints or nerves bring on your persistent back or sciatic pain.

Prevention of Sciatica

The following are some of the preventive measures for Sciatica.

Regular exercise

Regular exercise can help your sciatica symptoms in the short term and reduce the number of recurrences over time. If your symptoms do not lessen or worsen with exercise, consult your doctor since this may signify a more severe nerve root injury.

Maintain good posture

A stable homeostasis is created by good posture, which releases tension in the body. When the wrong posture is used for a prolonged period, Sciatica may develop. Consistently keeping proper posture helps ease tight muscles, minimise sciatic nerve irritation and enhance the performance of the lower body.

Avoid heavy weights

Avoid lifting and twisting simultaneously. Find a helper to lift any heavy objects.

Conclusion

The majority of sciatica patients don't require surgery. Usually, all that is needed is some basic treatment and self-care. But if simple self-care measures fail to make your pain decrease, visit a doctor. If necessary, your healthcare practitioner can send you to a spine health specialist, provide alternative treatments.