Sciatica- Symptoms, Treatment & Exercises

 

Sciatica is a common condition that gives rise to nerve pain in the leg that is caused by irritation and/or compression of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica originates in the lower back, radiates deep into the buttock, and travels down the leg. It occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes pinched, resulting in inflammation and pain. It is one of the most common causes of low back pain. Having sciatica is exhausting. It can affect the way your day looks and feels, making it hard to function. Sciatica may be caused by a herniated disk and is highly treatable.

Symptoms

Sciatica symptoms are most often felt along the large sciatic nerve's path. One or more of the following characteristics are common in sciatica:

  • Pain: Sciatica pain is characterized by a continuous burning sensation or a shooting pain that radiates down the front or back of the thigh, shoulder, and/or foot from the lower back or buttock.

  • The sensation of numbness: Numbness in the back of the leg can accompany sciatica pain. Tingling and/or exhaustion can be present at times.

  •  Symptoms that are just on one foot: One leg is typically affected by sciatica. The heaviness of the affected leg is a common symptom of the disease. 1 Rarely, both legs may be affected together.

  • Symptoms caused by poor posture: When sitting, attempting to stand up, leaning the spine forward, turning the spine, lying down, and/or coughing, sciatica symptoms can get worse. Running or applying a heating pad to the back of the pelvis may help ease symptoms.

Cause

Sciatica is caused by a pinched sciatic nerve, which is normally caused by a herniated disc on your back or a bone spur on one of your vertebrae. A tumor can compress the nerve, or it can be affected by a condition like diabetes.

Treatment

Medications

The types of drugs that might be prescribed for sciatica pain include:

  • The types of drugs that might be prescribed for sciatica pain include:

  • Anti-inflammatories

  • Muscle relaxants

  • Narcotics

  • Tricyclic antidepressants

  • Anti-seizure medications

Physical therapy

A doctor or a physical therapist should devise a recovery regimen to help you avoid further complications after your intense pain has subsided. This usually entails workouts to increase your balance while also correcting your stance and strengthening the muscles that protect your back.

Steroid injections

In certain circumstances, the doctor can prescribe a corticosteroid injection into the region around the affected nerve root. By reducing inflammation around the sore nerve, corticosteroids may help relieve discomfort. In most cases, the symptoms wear off after a few months. Since the chance of severe side effects increases when steroid injections are given too often, the number of injections you will get is restricted.

Surgery

When a compressed nerve induces severe fatigue, lack of bowel or bladder function, or discomfort that worsens or does not increase with most treatments, this is normally the only choice. The bone spur or the part of the herniated disc rubbing on the pinched nerve may be removed by surgery.

Complete sciatica treatment can be a very complicated process that should only be managed by a professional. However, this does not mean you cannot do anything to avoid the same and get relief from pain. You can follow these activities:

  • Exercise on a daily basis. Pay careful attention to your core muscles, which are the muscles in your abdominal and lower back that are responsible for proper balance and coordination, to keep your back solid. Inquire with your doctor about specific activities.

  • When you're sitting, make sure your stance is right. Choose a seat with a swivel foundation, armrests, and strong lower back support. To keep your back in its natural curve, place a pillow or folded towel in the small of your back. Maintain a level posture with the knees and hips.

  • Make full use of the body mechanics. If you have to stand for long stretches of time, take a break and rest one foot on a stool or a little box. Allow your lower extremities to do the job while lifting something heavy. Move up and down in a straight line. Maintain a straight back and just bend at the elbows. Keep the load as close to the body as possible. Lifting and spinning at the same time is not a good idea. If the object is bulky or difficult, find a lifting buddy.

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