Definition of Sciatica
The definition of sciatica is pain along the sciatic
nerve, radiating from the lumbar spine, along the back
of the buttocks and thigh and down the leg. Sciatica
is most commonly caused by a herniated disc which presses
on the sciatic nerve, causing pain. The pain may be
experienced as a shooting pain from the back of the
hip joint down the back of the leg or back pain felt
in the lower back. Sciatica is a symptom; it indicates
that there is an underlying problem.
The onset of the pain can be sudden and the shooting
pain takes many people by surprise. Frequently, the
patient was lifting something heavy, bending and twisting
or squatting when the pain was felt. Often the person
feels as though they cannot move or it may be very painful
to move in any direction. The pain is made worse by
sneezing, coughing or bending forward. Numbness or tingling
in the feet and toes may also be present.
Any sudden or unexplained pain needs to be investigated
by a doctor so that a correct diagnosis can be made.
Pain is your body's way of telling you that something
is wrong; any strong, sustained or debilitating pain
indicates that you need to find out what is causing
it. While rest is often the treatment for sciatica,
you need to know that this is the condition you have. Older people may suffer from a different kind of sciatica.
In these cases, the onset of sciatica pain is more gradual
with often just an ache being present in the lower back.
Sitting down and resting will often alleviate discomfort
and the excruciating shooting pains may not develop.
The most common cause of this type of sciatica in older
folk is walking down steps or on a downward slope.
The pain of sciatica is caused by irritation to the
sciatic nerve, which in turn is caused by compression
of the nerve due to the cushioning spinal disc slipping
out of alignment. This can cause inflammation of the
nerve, which creates the pain.
Because the sciatic nerve
is the longest nerve in the human body, the pain can
be experienced along the nerve's pathway or be felt
as the common symptom of shooting pain down the leg.
All this comes about when the back muscles and other
core muscles of the torso are weak, when heavy objects
are lifted incorrectly or when bending forward for lengthy
periods. Arthritis in the spine increases the risk of
sciatica.
Rest is often all the treatment that is needed to relieve
the pain of sciatica but your doctor may prescribe medication
as well. You should always have any back pain investigated
so that the correct treatment can be prescribed. Doctors
often prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to reduce
the irritation around the sciatic nerve which in turn
will relieve the sciatica pain.
Making some lifestyle
changes will help to reduce the possibility of sciatica;
regular exercise like walking helps to strengthen the
core muscles, learning the correct lifting techniques
prevents back injury and pacing yourself when doing
a new activity will all help to keep you free from sciatica.
Heat packs or cold compresses may help to relieve the
pain and you can apply these treatments yourself at
home.
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