Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Complications

Sciatica is the term used to describe pain that runs along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve originates in the lower back and travels down each leg, passing through the hips and buttocks.

Pressure damage to the nerve, such as a herniated disc or an excessive growth of bone, is the most prevalent cause of sciatica. This causes inflammation, pain, and often some numbness in the affected leg.

Sciatica can cause agonizing pain, but most cases go away in a few weeks with therapy. For people with severe sciatica, severe leg weakness, or disorders related to the bladder or bowel, surgery can be required.

Causes Of Sciatica

Sciatica is the result of a sciatic nerve compression. The reason is typically a herniated disc in the spine or an excessive growth of bone called a bone spur on the spinal bones. Less frequently, tumor pressure on the nerve occurs. On the other hand, a disease like diabetes could damage the nerve.

Symptoms Of Sciatica

Sciatica pain can be experienced almost anywhere along the nerve route. It likes to go from the lower back to the buttocks, as well as down the back of the thigh and leg.

A slight ache to a burning throb could be the severity of the discomfort. Sometimes it seems sudden, like an electric shock. It can get worse when you sit for long periods, cough, or sneeze. The symptoms of sciatica usually only affect one side of the body.

Furthermore, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the legs or feet are experienced by certain individuals. One leg may be tingling, while the other may be completely numb.

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Risk Factors Of Sciatica

Risk factors for sciatica include:

• Age: Age-related abnormalities in the spine, such as herniated discs and bone spurs, are the most common causes of sciatica.
• Obesity: Being overweight puts extra strain on the spine.
• Workplace occupation: Sciatica may be exacerbated by jobs that require moving heavy objects, twisting your back, or driving for extended periods.
• Prolonged period of sitting: Sciatica is more common in people who are sedentary or immobile than inactive people..
• Diabetes: Because of the way this disorder affects blood sugar utilization, nerve injury is more likely to occur.

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Diagnosis Of Sciatica

A medical practitioner may measure muscular strength and reflexes during the physical examination. For example, you may be asked to come up from a squat, walk on your toes or heels, or lie on your back and raise your legs one at a time. Usually, after doing these exercises, sciatica pain gets worse.

Tests

Extremely painful people or those whose pain doesn't go away after a few weeks may need:

• X-ray. On a spine X-ray, an excessive growth of bone that may be pressing on a nerve may be visible.
• MRI. Using radio waves and a powerful magnet, this technique produces cross-sectional images of the back. Because an MRI produces incredibly detailed images of bone and soft tissues, pinched nerves and herniated discs.
• CT scan. To make a CT scan (CT myelogram) easier, a dye may be injected into the spinal canal before X-rays are taken. The dye then moves across the spinal cord and spinal nerves, making them more visible on the images.
• ECG, or electrocardiogram. This test measures the electrical impulses produced by the nerves as well as the reactions from the muscles. This test can confirm the extent of a nerve root injury.

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Treatment Of Sciatica

Some of the following therapies may be helpful if self-care techniques are ineffective in relieving the discomfort.

Medications

The following drug classes are potential remedies for sciatica pain:

• anti-inflammatory medications
• Corticosteroids
• medications that combat depression
• Antiepileptic medication
• Opioids

Physical assistance

After the patient's discomfort has gone, a medical practitioner might design a program to assist in preventing additional injuries. This usually includes exercises to strengthen the core, increase the range of motion, and correct posture.

Corticosteroids

In certain cases, an injection of corticosteroids into the area around the affected nerve root may be beneficial. Often, discomfort is relieved with a single shot. Up to three doses can be given in a year.

Surgery

 Surgeons may remove the bone spur or the portion of the herniated disc that is pressing against the nerve. Surgery is often saved for situations where sciatica causes severe weakness, loss of control over the bladder or intestines, or pain that cannot be managed with conventional measures.

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Prevention Of Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition that sometimes has no known cure and can recur. To protect your back follow the following:

• Exercise regularly. To keep your back strong, strengthen your core muscles, which are the lower back and abdominal muscles needed for good alignment and posture. A medical expert may recommend certain activities.
•  Make sure you sit with good posture. Choose a chair with sufficient lower back support, armrests, and a swivel base. For better low back support, keep the small of your back naturally curved by placing a cushion or rolled towel there. Retain your knees and hips level. Use your body appropriately. Periodically take a step back from standing by resting one foot on a small box or stool. When you are transporting large objects, let your legs do the heavy lifting. Sustain the weight close to your body. Do not raise and twist at the same time.

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Complications Of Sciatica

Most people with sciatica recover fully, whether they receive treatment or not. Sciatica, however, can cause nerve damage. Seek urgent medical attention in the event of:

• Loss of sensation in the injured leg
• Lack of bladder or bowel control limb weakness in the affected limb

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