Sciatica

What is Sciatica? - An Overview

Sciatica pain is caused by an irritation of the largest nerve in the body - the Sciatic Nerve. This nerve is the main nerve into the leg and where nerves come out of the lower spinal bones or lumbar vertebrae they may become compressed causing pain.

The pain of sciatica is felt in the lower back, buttocks, backs of the thighs and may travel below the knee or extend into the feet and toes. The legs may become numb and the lower leg muscles may be weak. These symptoms can occur in any order.

The most common cause of sciatica is usually a herniated or 'slipped' disc. Discs are the cushioned areas found between the bones of the spine. A slipped disc is sometimes referred to as a prolapsed intervertebral disc (PID) or a herniated nucleus pulposus by doctors. When bending or twisting our bodies the pressure between discs is raised - especially if we are carrying a heavy object at the same time. Sometimes the soft center of the disc may push outwards and press against the sciatic nerve causing pain in one or both legs. Often the nerve is pressed between the disc and adjacent bone.

So what should you do if you have Sciatica Symptoms? If pain persists for a few weeks you need to see your doctor. He or she might ask you to have a CT scan or MRI done to find out what is going on in your body. These scans allow your doctor to see the soft structures in the spine and bones. From the results your doctor will be able to see if a nerve is being compressed by a disc. It will also tell your doctor whether surgery will be able to correct the problem.

In many cases sciatica will go away on its own in a few days or weeks. Bed rest is not reccommended and you should remain active and go to work. If the pain is severe rest in bed, but do not do so for more than two days, a week at the most. Try to keep moving as much as possible. If you need to you can take drugs for pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen.

If you have sciatica don't place any strain on your back. Avoid bending, twisting the body or lifting heavy objects. Many patients obtain relief by consulting a physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath. Talk to your doctor about the best option for you. Remember that the pain of sciatica won't go away overnight.

If your sciatica is causing severe pain your doctor may suggest an epidural injection. This is an injection into the spine and will deaden pain in the nerves. Where surgery is reccommended it involves trimming back the bone or disc materials that are pressing on the nerve. Always get a second opinion if your doctor advises surgery as it may not always be helpful.

Find useful information on sciatica like Sciatica Pain Relief, Remedies for Sciatica, Causes of Sciatica, Sciatica Exercises, and more on the pages ahead.