By By Comfpack | 20 January 2022 | 0 Comments
Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
What are the common causes of sciatica?
Sciatica is usually the symptom of a pinched nerve affecting one or more of the lower spinal nerves. The nerve might be pinched inside or outside of the spinal canal as it passes through the leg.
Some causes of sciatica include:
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
Sciatica is a symptom itself rather than a specific diagnosis. It is the term used to describe any type of shooting pain that begins at the spine and radiates through the buttocks and down the back of the leg and as far as the foot.
Sciatica symptoms can range from a mild nuisance to sharp, shooting pain and discomfort. Symptoms are most often temporary and vary greatly depending on the condition causing sciatica.
Symptoms of sciatica include:
What are the common treatment options for sciatica?
Sciatica is usually the symptom of a pinched nerve affecting one or more of the lower spinal nerves. The nerve might be pinched inside or outside of the spinal canal as it passes through the leg.
Some causes of sciatica include:
1. Herniated or slipped disk: It is the most common cause of sciatica that causes pressure on a nerve root.
2. Piriformis syndrome: Small piriformis muscle, which lies deep in the buttocks, becomes tight and spasms, thus creating pressure and causing irritation to the sciatic nerve.
2. Piriformis syndrome: Small piriformis muscle, which lies deep in the buttocks, becomes tight and spasms, thus creating pressure and causing irritation to the sciatic nerve.
3. Spinal stenosis: It is narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the nerves.
4. Spondylolisthesis: It occurs when one vertebra slips so that it is out of line with the one above it, narrowing the opening through which the sciatic nerve exits.
5. Degenerative disk disease: It is caused by the wear and tear and effects of aging on the spine.
6. Osteoarthritis: It is characterized by the formation of bone spurs (bits of protruding bone) that may press the nerve roots. It is mostly seen in older people.
7. Pregnancy: Sciatica is often associated with pregnancy in women.
8. A spinal tumor is rare but may also cause sciatica pain.
Severe injury to the spine or back may sometimes compress sciatic nerve leading to lower back pain.
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
Sciatica is a symptom itself rather than a specific diagnosis. It is the term used to describe any type of shooting pain that begins at the spine and radiates through the buttocks and down the back of the leg and as far as the foot.
Sciatica symptoms can range from a mild nuisance to sharp, shooting pain and discomfort. Symptoms are most often temporary and vary greatly depending on the condition causing sciatica.
Symptoms of sciatica include:
1. Shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up or move suddenly, which may worsen with cough or sneeze
2. Constant lower back pain or tingling sensation
3. Pain in the rear or one leg that worsens while sitting
4. Hip pain
5. Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg or foot
6. A minor movement such as bending over to pick something up (trigger for sciatic pain)
In severe cases, patients may lose sensation in the leg and may also have difficulty controlling the bowels and bladder.What are the common treatment options for sciatica?
1. Bed rest and frequent changing of the body posture may help in relieving the symptoms.
2. Muscle relaxants are prescribed to ease muscle tension and pain.
4. Corticosteroid medications that are generally given through direct injection into the spine may reduce inflammation and pain.
5. Antidepressants are usually prescribed to reduce nerve pain.
6. Non Opioid pain drugs that work at the opioid receptor (Tramadol) are given for the treatment of severe sciatic pain.
7. Short-term opioids may also help in treating sciatica pain.
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked. *