Sciatica

Sciatica pain is caused by an irritation, inflammation, pinching, or compression of a lower back nerve. A herniated or slipped disk, which puts pressure on the nerve root, is the most common cause. Most sciatica sufferers recover on their own with time and self-care treatments.

What exactly is sciatica?

Sciatica is nerve pain caused by an injury or irritation to the sciatic nerve in the buttock/gluteal area. The sciatic nerve is the body’s longest and thickest (almost finger-width) nerve. It is actually composed of five nerve roots: two from the lower back region known as the lumbar spine and three from the final section of the spine known as the sacrum. The five nerve roots join to form the right and left sciatic nerves. One sciatic nerve runs through your hips, buttocks, and down one leg, ending just below the knee on each side of your body. The sciatic nerve then splits into other nerves that run down your leg and into your foot and toes.

True sciatic nerve “sciatica” injury is uncommon, but the term is commonly used to describe any pain that originates in the lower back and radiates down the leg. This pain is caused by a nerve injury – an irritation, inflammation, pinching, or compression of a nerve in your lower back.

If you have “sciatica,” you will feel mild to severe pain anywhere along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back to the hips, buttocks, and/or down your legs. It can also cause leg and foot muscle weakness, numbness, and an unpleasant tingling pins-and-needles sensation in your leg, foot, and toes.

The genuine sciatic nerve Although “sciatica” injuries are rare, the term is commonly used to describe any pain that begins in the lower back and radiates down the leg. A nerve injury – an irritation, inflammation, pinching, or compression of a nerve in your lower back – is the source of this pain.

You will experience mild to severe pain anywhere along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back to the hips, buttocks, and/or down your legs if you have “sciatica.” It can also cause muscle weakness in your legs and feet, as well as numbness and an unpleasant tingling pins-and-needles sensation in your legs, feet, and toes.

How does sciatica pain feel?

Depending on the cause, people describe sciatica pain in a variety of ways. Sharp, shooting, or jolting pain is how some people describe their pain. This pain has been described as “burning,” “electric,” or “stabbing” by others.

The pain may be constant or intermittent. In addition, the pain in your leg is usually more severe than in your lower back. The pain may become worse if you sit or stand for long periods of time, stand up, or twist your upper body. A forced and sudden body movement, such as a cough or sneeze, can also aggravate the pain.

Can sciatica affect both legs?

Sciatica usually only affects one leg at a time. Sciatica, on the other hand, can affect both legs. It simply depends on where the nerve is pinched along the spinal column.

Is sciatica a sudden onset or does it develop gradually?

Sciatica can manifest itself suddenly or gradually. It is determined by the cause. A disk herniation can cause excruciating pain. Spinal arthritis develops gradually over time.

What is the prevalence of sciatica?

Sciatica is a common ailment. Sciatica affects approximately 40% of people in the United States at some point in their lives. Back pain is the third most common reason people seek medical attention.

What are the causes of sciatica?

You are more likely to develop sciatica if you:

Have a current or previous injury: Sciatica is more likely if you have a lower back or spine injury.

Live your life: As you age, the bone tissue and disks in your spine naturally wear down. Normal aging can expose your nerves to injury or pinching due to changes and shifts in bone, disks, and ligaments.

Are you overweight: Your spine is similar to a vertical crane. The counterweights are your muscles. Your spine (crane) has to lift the weight you carry in the front of your body. The greater the weight, the more your back muscles (counterweights) must work. This can result in back strains, pains, and other back problems.

Inadequate core strength: Your “core” muscles are those in your back and abdomen. The stronger your core, the more support your lower back will have. Unlike your chest, where your rib cage provides support, your lower back is supported solely by your muscles.

Have an active, physical job: Jobs that require heavy lifting or prolonged sitting may increase your risk of low back problems and use of your back.

Lack of proper weight-room posture: Even if you are physically fit and active, you can still be prone to sciatica if you do not use proper body form when lifting weights or performing other strength-training exercises.

Diabetes increases your risk of nerve damage, which increases your risk of sciatica.

Have osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis can damage your spine and put your nerves at risk.

Lead an inactive lifestyle: Sitting for long periods of time without moving, stretching, or toning your muscles can increase your risk of sciatica.

Tobacco use can harm spinal tissue, weaken bones, and hasten the deterioration of vertebral disks.

Is it true that the weight of pregnancy causes sciatica in so many pregnant women?

Although sciatica is common during pregnancy, being overweight is not the primary cause of sciatica. A better explanation is that certain pregnancy hormones cause ligaments to loosen. Ligaments connect the vertebrae, protect the disks, and stabilize the spine. Loose ligaments can make the spine unstable and cause disks to slip, causing nerves to be pinched and the development of sciatica. The weight and position of the baby can also put pressure on the nerve.

The good news is that there are ways to alleviate sciatic pain during pregnancy, and the pain goes away once the baby is born. Physical therapy and massage therapy, as well as warm showers, heat, medications, and other measures, can be beneficial. If you are pregnant, make sure to practice good posture techniques to alleviate pain.

What exactly causes sciatica?

Sciatica can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, including:

A slipped or herniated disk that puts pressure on a nerve root. The most common cause of sciatica is this. A slipped disk affects about 1% to 5% of all people in the United States at some point in their lives. The cushioning pads between the vertebrae of the spine are known as disks. Pressure from vertebrae can cause a disk’s gel-like center to bulge (herniate) due to a weakness in its outer wall. When a herniated disk occurs in one of your lower back vertebrae, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Disk herniation

Degenerative disk disease is caused by the natural deterioration of the disks between the vertebrae of the spine. The wearing down of the disks reduces their height, causing the nerve passageways to become narrower (spinal stenosis). Spinal stenosis can cause sciatic nerve roots to be pinched as they exit the spine.

The abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal is known as spinal stenosis. This narrowing reduces the amount of space available for the spinal cord and nerves.

Cleveland Clinic | Spinal Stenosis

Spondylolisthesis is the movement of one vertebra out of alignment with the one above it, narrowing the opening through which the nerve exits. The sciatic nerve can be pinched by the extended spinal bone.

Osteoarthritis. In aging spines, bone spurs (jagged edges of bone) can form and compress lower back nerves.

A lumbar spine or sciatic nerve injury caused by trauma.

Tumors in the lumbar spinal canal that cause sciatic nerve compression.

Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle, a small muscle located deep in the buttocks, becomes tight or spasms. This can irritate and put pressure on the sciatic nerve. Piriformis syndrome is a rare neuromuscular condition.

Cauda equina syndrome is a rare but serious condition that affects the cauda equina, a bundle of nerves at the end of the spinal cord. This syndrome is characterized by leg pain, numbness around the anus, and loss of bowel and bladder control.

What are the signs and symptoms of sciatica?

Sciatica symptoms include the following:

Pain ranging from moderate to severe in your lower back, buttocks, and down your leg.

Lower back, buttock, leg, or foot numbness or weakness

Pain that worsens with movement; immobility

Feeling of “pins and needles” in your legs, toes, or feet.

bowel and bladder control problems (due to cauda equina).

DIAGNOSTIC AND TESTING