Overview
Sciatica mainly refers to the pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve branches from the lower back, the hips, and the leg. Sciatica primarily affects only one side of the body, mainly when there is a herniated disc or compression in some part of the nerve. The primary cause said to the sciatic nerve is a herniated disc which leads to compression on the sciatic nerve and readily damages it. The most common causes of sciatic nerve damage are obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, sleeping patterns, and high heels that lead to the deterioration of the sciatic nerve.
Padda Institute center for interventional pain management offers tailored treatments after diagnosing the root cause of the pain. If you feel any symptoms or discomfort, schedule your appointment with one of the best pain management doctors
Sciatica Nerve Pain Symptoms & Characteristics
The symptoms & characteristics of sciatic nerve pain are listed below:
One Side Pain – The main symptom shows pain in only one leg and wanes.
Tingling in Legs – The symptom also involves numbness and tingling in the lower extremities. The individual affected also experiences muscle weakness in the lower extremity muscles.
Excruciating Pain – The main sign that suggests the damage in the sciatic nerve is radiating pain in the low back that goes along the leg and into the feet.
Extended Hours of Sitting, Standing, and Walking – When there is sciatic nerve pain, the person has difficulty walking, sitting, and performing day-to-day activities.
One of the main signs of sciatica involves pain only on one side of the body. The pain is said to be intense and needs immediate attention.
The main areas affected by Sciatica nerve pain are:
- Sole (of the foot)
- Low back
- Thigh or Leg (Front)
When to See a Doctor?
It is pretty rare when sciatica nerve pain needs immediate emergency attention. Though, a medical emergency is necessary when:
- You are suffering severe pain in your low back, leg, and numbness.
- The patient is facing trouble controlling bowel and bladder movements.
- The pain causes violent injuries such as accidents.
Contact specialists at Padda Institute to get relief from severe Sciatica pain that lasts for a long time.
Sciatic Nerve Pain Causes
The most common causes of pain in the sciatic nerve are as follows:
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is the associated condition of degenerative disc ailment. It happens when the extended spinal bone pinches the nerves that ultimately make up your sciatic nerve.
Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis muscle runs from the lower spine to the top of the thigh bone. Piriformis Syndrome occurs when the muscle presses on your sciatic nerve. The pressure causes numbness in the lower body.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when the first layer of the cartilage breaks. Your vertebrae or spinal bones are separated by cartilage. It is filled with clear, thick insides that ensure flexibility for all movements. The substance inside compresses your sciatic nerve, leading to lower limb pain and numbness.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal Stenosis is marked by the abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal, compressing the nerves that go through the lower back into the legs. The narrowing adversely puts pressure on your sciatic nerve.
Diagnosis
The Sciatica pain management depends on the severity of the problem, which varies from person to person. The diagnosis of Sciatica starts with getting medical history, if you have had any recent injuries, and how the pain feels. It is followed by a physical exam that will test your muscle strength. The doctor might also ask to do some stretching and moving.
The examination for people who have dealt with Sciatica for a more extended period undergoes nerve tests that allow us to examine how nerve impulses are radiated and learn more about the concerns. The test helps locate the areas involved and the degree to which the impulse is causing downward motions. Imaging tests involving spinal X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans allow your doctor to dig deeper into the examination by checking the spine and determining the cause of Sciatica.
Precautions
For Sciatica nerve pain relief, necessary preventive methods can be taken to reduce the pain and lower the risks.
Exercise Regularly
Keep your posture proper and in good alignment. Give special attention to the core muscles. Ask your physician for specific exercises.
Change in Lifestyle
Don’t stand or sit for long hours; rest from time to time. Keep your back straight and avoid lifting heavy.
Good Posture
When sitting for long hours, choose a seat where you can sit in good posture, supporting your back and arms. Maintain a comfortable and good posture while sitting for a long time.
The Best Treatment For Sciatica Pain at Padda Institute
Epidural Steroid Injections are a standard option for treating back and leg pain. The injection involves injecting a local anesthetic and steroid medication into the epidural space that covers the nerve roots and spinal cord. It controls the pain by reducing inflammation in and around the nerve roots. It also allows the patients to participate in physical therapy and rehabilitation programs.
The doctors and physicians here at Padda Institute are the best in their fields. They provide utmost care and attention for sciatica nerve pain relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, sciatica only affects one leg at a time. However, it can impact both legs also. It only matters where in the spinal column, the nerve is being compressed.
Most of the people with sciatica pain recover without surgery. Proper self-care treatments assist in relieving pain. However, it is always advisable to seek a medical expert in case the pain is alleviating.
No, what is commonly referred to as “sciatica” or “sciatica pain” does not just come from the sciatic nerve. Sometimes the lumbar spine’s higher levels are the source of pain, which spreads towards the front of the thighs or the hip region.
Depending on the cause, sciatica pain is described a s piercing, shooting, or jolting in the leg. Others call this discomfort “burning,” “electric,” or “stabbing.” If you stand or sit for longer periods of time, the pain worsens.
A person having following factors might be at a greater risk of sciatica:
- Obesity and overweight
- Lack of strong core to support lower back
- Improper body postures
- Jobs involving heavy weight lifts
- Previous injuries
Usually, sciatica patients fully recover. But a side effect of sciatica can be chronic pain. A “drop foot,” where numbness of the foot makes regular walking impossible, may happen if the pinched nerve is severely damaged. This condition is characterized by chronic muscle weakness. There may be a permanent loss of sensation in the affected leg as a result of sciatica.
Some causes of sciatica, like degenerative disk disease, pregnancy-related sciatica, or unintentional falls, may not be preventable. However, maintaining a proportionate body weight and good posture with regular exercises can help reduce the risks of getting sciatica.
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