Sciatica is a common medical condition. It occurs when the sciatic nerve which extends from the lower back down to the buttocks and leg, gets pinched. The medical term for sciatica is lumbar radiculopathy. It affects one side of the lower body.
Sometimes, in severe sciatica, the pain may radiate all the way down to the foot and toes. Sciatic pain can be debilitating and can get worse without proper treatment. It may begin as an annoying twinge, but it has the potential to worsen.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Some of the symptoms of sciatica are:-
- Low back pain
- Radiating pain in the back of the leg
- Localized hip pain
- Burning or tingling down the back of the leg
- Difficulty in moving foot
- Numbness in foot
- Pain in one buttock
- Shooting pain when rising
Causes of Sciatica Pain
- Lumbar spinal stenosis(Narrowing of spinal canal)
- Degenerative disc disease (Damage to the discs between the vertebrae)
- Spondylolisthesis or slip disc
- Recurrent muscle spasms
Other Conditions That Can Cause Sciatica Include:-
- Being overweight
- Lack of exercise
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes or high heels
- Sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress
How Is It Diagnosed?
The orthopaedic specialist will conduct a physical examination to check the back muscle strength and to find out the exact location or source of the pain. Imaging tests like MRI, CT scan, X-Ray and EMG may also be done to get a detailed image of the bone and soft tissues to assess the damage and cause of the pain.
For mild sciatica, the doctor may suggest a course of medication, including anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxants, pain killers, RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Exercise) treatment, electrotherapy and physiotherapy.
If you have severe sciatica, you may be in for a longer treatment plan which includes bed rest, RICE treatment, electrotherapy and a rehabilitation program that is a lot more intensive.
The physical therapy for sciatica would include exercises to correct posture, strengthening of the muscles supporting the back and improving flexibility. Depending on the severity of the pain, the patient may be given steroid injections.
Surgery may be offered only as the last option and only if the compressed nerve causes other problems like loss of bowel or bladder control or if there is no relief in pain in spite of different treatments. The surgeons will then remove the bone spur that is pressing on the pinched nerve.
Prevention of Sciatica
Some ways to prevent sciatica include:-
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining body weight
- Ascertaining good posture when sitting and standing
- Wearing comfortable footwear
- Bending knees when lifting heavy objects
- Avoiding overstretching when reaching for something