Spine Care

Sciatica

Sciatica is used to describe nerve pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve due to irritation and/or compression of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica nerve runs from the lower back passing through the buttocks and down to the back of each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of the body, most people recover from sciatica without surgery.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Symptoms are usually present along the innervated area of the sciatic nerve. Mostly one sided, but it is possible to be present on both side of the body. Pain usually gets worse during prolong sitting or walking. Other symptoms include:

• Lower back pain
• One-sided pain shooting down the leg
• Burning or tingling sensation over the buttocks hip or legs
• Constant sharp pain or dull aching over the buttocks hip or legs
• Numbness over the buttocks hip or legs
• Muscle weakness over the buttocks hip or legs

Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica is a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as:

• Bone spur
• Herniated disc
• Spinal stenosis
• Diabetic
• Pregnancy
• Tumor
• Lifting heavy objects
• Muscle tightness

Treatment for Sciatica

Initial treatment for sciatica is usually conservative which includes medications and physiotherapy. Physiotherapy exercises such as stretching and strengthening helps to relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve relieving symptoms.