People talk about sciatica as if it’s a condition, but in fact it’s not – it’s a collection of symptoms that can involve considerable pain, often far away from the site of its cause – pain that is sometimes severe enough to incapcitate. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments and self-help measures that can tackle the problem.
Symptoms for Sciatica Pain
True sciatica is pain that runs down the back of the leg and that may progress right down to your foot. Only one leg is affected. Often, the pain is described as “burning”. “stinging”, “numb,” or “shooting.” It is severe, and may preclude you from walking and taking part in normal activities. In some cases, you may also feel pain in your lower back.
What Causes Sciatica Pain?
Sciatica pain is one of the most common nerve root problems of the lower back. It is caused by pressure on the nerve roots that emerge from the vertebral column, which then merge to form the sciatic nerve – the thickest and longest nerve in the body. The effects may also be felt in the branches of the sciatic nerve in the lower leg. Pressure can occur for any of a variety of reasons, including disc prolapse, piriformis syndrome, or spinal stenosis.
Prevention
The only way to prevent sciatica is to reduce the likelihood of conditions that may cause these symptoms (see above).
Figuring our What’s Wrong with Sciatic Nerve Pain
You’ll need to see your doctor if you experience the symptoms of sciatica. Try to remember what you were doing before the pain started, and note which positions are comfortable and which are painful so you can share the full story.
Your doctor will examine you and perhaps arrange for tests based on your account of the circumstances in which the problem arose and other symptoms you may be experiencing.
Sciatica Nerve Pain Relief
In most cases, an attack of sciatica resolves with some medications such as oral anti-inflammatories, nerve regeneration or muscle relaxants.
Injections to the spine may also recommended if oral medications are not helpful.
Further treatment will depend on the underlying cause.
Seek medical attention if your symptoms show no sign of improvement in 24 hours.
Don’t
- Ignore the pain: it may be a sign of damage.
- Ben, lift, twist, or carrying anything.
- Let anyone unqualified manipulate your back – gentle massage that avoids the spine itself is all that anybody unqualified should attempt.
