What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a constant or intermittent pain that may be experienced in the lower back, hip or down the back of one or both legs into the heel or foot. In fact severe pain can occur along any part of the Sciatic Nerve.

How is it caused?

Sciatica is not a condition in itself but is simply a symptom of pressure being placed on the Sciatic Nerve. Such pressure can be caused by inflammation of the nerve itself or from other medical conditions that may impair the neural pathway of the Sciatic Nerve , the most common cause of which is a lumbar Herniated Disc.

Age also plays a part in this condition too. As we get older our discs begin to wear out and degenerate. In some instances this may also culminate in a 'slipped or ruptured disc'. In fact any form of obstruction that narrows the neural passageways of the sciatic nerve, such as disc degeneration or arthritis may lead to a Pinched Sciatic Nerve and produce severe pain.

Symptoms of Sciatica (Sciatic nerve pain)

Symptoms may occur such as a tingling or burning sensation at the back of the leg, or a constant dull ache in the lower back. Intermittent shooting pains may also be experienced from the buttocks down through the hip and back of the legs(s) to the heel. Other symptoms may also occur, such as loss of reflexes, weakness and numbness all of which make everyday activities very painful.

Sciatic nerve pain may also be felt during pregnancy, caused by the developing fetus pressing on the Sciatic Nerve.

Treatment of Sciatica

To alleviate sciatic nerve pain it is necessary to relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve. In an effort to help yourself, try suitable bending and stretching Sciatic Exercises and/or get your partner to massage the seat of the pain. Seek professional advice from a chiropractor or osteopath if the pain does not respond to your efforts and refuses to go away.

Physiotherapy can also help to manipulate the troublesome areas, not only to alleviate pain but also to exercise the areas in question in an attempt to prevent any future occurrences and maintain a clear neural pathway for the Sciatic Nerve.

Anti-inflammatory medicines are used to help lessen inflammation. Ask your doctor about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) to help alleviate the pain, such as ibuprofen or codeine. However, if the pain is particularly severe your doctor may recommend an epidural steroid injection given directly into the epidural space around the spinal column.

If after all of this treatment, severe pain still exists, surgery may be necessary to remove the cause of the compression. Should this be the case, consult your doctor immediately to discuss the possibility of conducting a series of Back Pain Diagnostic Tests.