Sciatica is a common type of pain caused by the irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, a large nerve branching from your lower back down the back of each leg.
Signs and Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica symptoms result from compression or pinching of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica may feel like:
- Lower Back Pain
- Weakness and numbness of the affected area
- Tingling sensations in the buttocks and affected leg
- Hard time moving the leg or foot
- Inability to walk
- Burning Sensation
Areas suffering from sciatic depend on where the sciatic nerve is affected. These areas include:
- Bottom
- Back of your leg
- Foot
- Toes
Bilateral sciatica is uncommon. Therefore, symptoms of sciatica are mostly on one side of the lower body only. Signs and symptoms of sciatica can worsen when you sneeze, move, or cough. Meanwhile, the condition usually gets better in four to six weeks in many people, though it can stay longer than that in some.
Severe symptoms can arise if sciatica is not dealt with properly and timely. They can include:
- Loss of sensations in the leg
- Loss of bowel or bladder function
- Persistent severe pain
- Foot drop
Causes of Sciatica
- Herniated Disc: It is the most common cause of sciatica. Discs are the cushion materials located between the vertebrae. Pressure can cause the bulging of the outer wall of these vertebrae of the spine, putting pressure on the sciatic nerve. This pressure can compress the sciatica nerve forming the basis of symptoms of sciatica.
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD): The natural wear and tear of the disc can also cause compression of the sciatic nerve.
- Spinal stenosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Spine Trauma
- Cauda equina syndrome
Risk factors
Following factors increase the risk of developing sciatica:
- Age-related changes in the spine
- Improper posture
- Obesity
- Prolonged sitting:
- Jobs requiring frequently twisting your back or carrying heavy loads
Diagnosis of Sciatica
If you are experiencing symptoms of sciatica, it is always the best idea to consult your doctor. He will take a complete history and will perform a physical examination. Complete history and physical examination can provide direction for the diagnosis of sciatica. Your doctor may advise the following test in order to determine the cause of sciatica:
- X-ray of the affected areas
- CT (Computed tomography) scan
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- Electromyography (EMG)
Treatment of Sciatica
Most people with sciatica feel better in 4 to 6 weeks after self-care activities or home remedies, such as:
- Using cold or hot packs
- Gentle exercises
- Stretching
- Taking over-the-counter pain medications such as NSAIDs like ibuprofen
But if your pain doesn’t settle, your doctor will suggest other options.
Medications
Most commonly prescribed medications for the management of sciatica include:
- Anti-inflammatories
- Muscle Relaxants
- Anti-seizures drugs
- Narcotics
- Specific physical exercise
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
A physical therapist will teach you exercises that will improve your posture and make you more flexible. These exercises will also strengthen the muscles supporting your back.
Other Options
If you paint doesn’t settle after self-care and medications, the doctor may have to proceed with the next options, such as:
- Steroid Injection o.r. cortisone
- Surgical options
- Diskectomy
- Laminectomy
Surgery is the last resort considered only when other treatment options have failed.
The Takeaway Message
If you’re experiencing sciatica symptoms, it is time to consult your doctor. Sciatica signs and symptoms can be relieved effectively with property management. Management options include self-care at home, pain killers, prescribed medications, steroid injections, and surgeries. Timely checkups and following the prescribed treatment plan are necessary.
References
- Koes, B. W., van Tulder, M. W., & Peul, W. C. (2007). Diagnosis and treatment of sciatica. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 334(7607), 1313–1317. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39223.428495.BE
- Valat, J. P., Genevay, S., Marty, M., Rozenberg, S., &Koes, B. (2010). Sciatica. Best practice & research. Clinical rheumatology, 24(2), 241–252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.berh.2009.11.005
- Moulton, H., & Lurie, J. D. (2018). Management of sciatica: a shared-decision. AME medical journal, 3, 43. https://doi.org/10.21037/amj.2018.03.13
- Valat, J. P., Genevay, S., Marty, M., Rozenberg, S., &Koes, B. (2010). Sciatica. Best practice & research. Clinical rheumatology, 24(2), 241–252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.berh.2009.11.005
- Davis, D., Maini, K., & Vasudevan, A. (2021). Sciatica. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
- Ropper, A. H., &Zafonte, R. D. (2015). Sciatica. The New England journal of medicine, 372(13), 1240–1248. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1410151