Sciatica – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments
Sciatica – What is it, Symptoms and Drug Treatments. Additionally, the term “ Sciatica ” refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, Sciatica affects only one side of the body. Sciatica most often occurs when a herniated disc, bone growth in the spine, or a narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) pinches part of the nerve. This causes swelling, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg.
Although the pain associated with Sciatica can be severe, most cases resolve with non-surgical treatments within weeks. People with severe sciatica pain related to leg weakness or significant bowel or bladder changes may be candidates for surgery.
Causes of Sciatica: Sciatica occurs from impingement of the sciatic nerve, usually caused by a herniated disc in the spine or excessive growth of bones (osteites) in the vertebrae. A little less often, a tumor can cause nerve impingement or disease, such as diabetes , can damage the nerve.
News of the week:
Symptoms of Sciatica: Generally, Sciatica only affects one side of the lower body and the pain radiates from the lower back to the back of the thigh and down the leg.
- Constant pain on only one side of the buttock or leg, but rarely on both sides
- Pain that originates in the lower back or buttock and continues along the path of the sciatic nerve – in the back of the thigh and into the leg and foot
- Pain that feels better when patients lie down or walk, but worse when they are standing or sitting
- Pain typically described as sharp or abrasive rather than dull
- A “pins and needles” feeling, numbness or weakness, or a stinging sensation in the leg in some cases
- Weakness or numbness when moving the leg or foot
- Severe or shooting difficulty in one leg, making it difficult to walk or walk
- Pain and other symptoms in the toes, depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected
- Lower back pain that, if experienced, is not as severe as leg pain
Sciatica Risk Factors: Risk factors for Sciatica painare:
- Age. Age-related changes in the spine, such as herniated discs and osteophytes, are the most common causes of sciatica .
- Obesity. By increasing the load on the spine, excess weight can contribute to spinal changes that trigger sciatica .
- Profession. A job that requires you to come back, move heavy loads or drive a car for long periods may play a role in the development of sciatica , but there is no conclusive evidence of this relationship.
- Sitting for a long time. People who sit for long periods or have a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to develop sciatica than active people.
- diabetes . This disease, which affects the way your body uses blood sugar, increases your risk of nerve damage.
Sciatica Treatments : As sciatica is a symptom of another condition, the underlying cause must be identified so the doctor can know what type of treatment to recommend. Here are the main treatments for Sciatica :
Drugs: The types of medications that can be prescribed to treat sciatica are:
- anti-inflammatories
- muscle relaxants
- tranquilizers
- TCAs
- anticonvulsants
Physical Therapy: Once the acute pain subsides, your doctor or physical therapist can design a rehabilitation program to help prevent future injuries. The program usually includes exercises to correct posture, strengthen the muscles that support the back , and improve flexibility.
Steroid Injections: In some cases, the doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection into the area surrounding the affected nerve root. Corticosteroids help reduce pain by eliminating inflammation around the irritated nerve. The drug usually wears off within a few months. The amount of steroid injections they can receive is limited because the risk of serious side effects when injections are many times increased.
Surgery: This option is usually reserved for when the pinched nerve causes weakness and loss of bowel or bladder control , or when significant pain gets progressively worse or with other therapies. Surgeons can remove the bone spurs or part of the hernia that puts pressure on the pinched nerve.
Useful links:
Sciatica Prevention: It is not always possible to prevent Sciatica , and this condition can recur. Taking the following measures can play a key role in protecting your back :
- Exercise regularly: To keep your back strong, pay special attention to your core muscles, ie muscles in your back and lower abdomen that are essential for good posture and proper alignment. Ask your doctor to recommend specific activities.
- Maintain correct sitting posture: Choose a seat that has good lumbar support, armrests and a swivel base. Consider placing a pillow or rolled-up towel on your lower back to maintain your normal curve. Keep your knees and hips in line.
- Use proper body mechanics: If you stay for long periods, rest one foot on a stool or small box from time to time. When you lift heavy objects, let your legs do the work. Seesaw back. Keep right and just bend back knees. Keep the load close to the body. Avoid lifting the load and rotate the body at the same time. Seek help lifting the object if it is heavy or difficult to move.