Sciatica is a pain that moves from the buttocks to the leg and along the path of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica occurs due to compression, inflammation, irritation, or pinching of the sciatic nerve. In most cases, the symptoms of sciatica may resolve on its own or with proper self-care treatments. However, in severe cases, a surgery may be needed. Hot compression, followed by cold compression, is one of the most common self-care treatments to relieve sciatica pain at home.
The treatment for sciatica depends on its underlying cause. Various conditions like herniated disks, spine injuries, or normal wear and tear can cause sciatica. One of the most common causes of sciatica is a herniated disk or bone overgrowth that adds pressure to the nerve roots in the lumbar spine.
In this article, we will learn in detail about sciatica, its symptoms, causes, treatments, and more. So please keep reading.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is a type of nerve pain that arises when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated. The pain associated with sciatica may cause back numbness and even radiate down the leg. While the nerve is called the sciatic nerve, it is not a single nerve. It is a bunch of nerves coming together from five nerve roots and branching off from the spinal cord. There are two sciatic nerves on each side of the body, and each nerve moves through the thigh and buttocks and down the leg, ending just below the knee on the side of the body.
Symptoms of sciatica:
- Sciatica pain is usually felt along the sciatic nerve pathway from the lower back to the buttocks. The pain may also radiate below the buttock at the back of the thing and calf.
- The individual may also feel a tingling sensation that feels like needles and pins pricking them.
- Another symptom of sciatica is numbness in the areas affected.
- In severe cases of sciatica, the affected individual may also experience muscle weakness, fecal incontinence, and urinary incontinence.
- The pain in sciatica may be feeling like burning, stabbing, or shooting pain that can range from mild to severe. Sciatica pain may also get worse upon moving.
Causes of sciatica:
Sciatica usually occurs when any condition in the body has an effect on the sciatic nerve, causing compression or irritation. Some of the common causes of sciatica include the following,
Herniated disks: It is a condition that occurs when the disk of the vertebra is pushed out of its place, adding pressure on one or various areas of the spinal nerves, forming the sciatic nerve.
Injury: An injury to the back can also cause sciatica.
Cauda equina syndrome: This is a rarely occurring type of spinal stenosis that can cause pain in the sciatic region.
Spinal stenosis: This is a condition where the spinal cord in the lower back becomes narrowed, causing sciatic nerve irritation.
Wear and tear: Usual wear and tear of the cartilage and disks in the vertebra is another potential cause of sciatica.
Spondylolisthesis: In this condition, the disks of the vertebra slip forward and cause pain.
Some other conditions: Certain other conditions that can also cause sciatica include Consus medullas syndrome, cysts or tumors, osteoarthritis, pregnancy, and degenerative disk disease.
Risk factors for sciatica:
There are several risk factors that can cause sciatica. Some of these sciatica risk factors include the
following,
- Recurrent injuries to the back
- Having excessive body weight or being obese
- Working on strenuous jobs that require heavy lifting and bending
- Having type 2 diabetes
- Having insufficient core strength
- Improper posture
- Physical inactivity
- Tobacco consumption
How is sciatica diagnosed?
There are several methods through which a healthcare provider will diagnose sciatica. During a physical examination, a healthcare provider will first check the individual’s muscle strength, flexibility, and reflexes. They may also ask the patient to walk to see changes in their walking pattern and also perform a straight leg test.
Once a physical examination is conducted, the healthcare provider will perform a few more tests to rule out the possibility of other conditions and diagnose sciatica. Some of these tests include,
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
- Spine X-rays
- Computed tomography (CT) scans
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Myelogram
- Nerve conduction velocity studies
Conclusion
Sciatica is a type of pain that occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or pinched. It can cause symptoms like pain on one side of the lower body that radiates down the knees, hip pain, weakness or numbness in the legs, difficulty in walking, and more. Treatment for sciatica often involves addressing the root cause of the problem. Proper rest and hot and cold compression also help relieve the pain at home.
Among the various available treatments for sciatica, homeopathy is a good option. Homeopathy for sciatica is safe and has very few side effects, making it an effective way of treating sciatica. At Health Homeopathy Clinic in Tanuku, we have a team of homeopathy specialists who provide the best homeopathic solutions for various conditions, including sciatica. If you are looking for homeopathic treatment for sciatica, get in touch with us today.
👉 Book your consultation now with Health Homeopathy and feel the natural relief!
📍 Visit the Health Homeopathy Clinic Available near you.
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