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
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Keep your posture proper and in good alignment. Give special attention to the core muscles. Ask your physician for specific exercises.
Don’t stand or sit for long hours; rest from time to time. Keep your back straight and avoid lifting heavy.
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.
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:
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.