Understanding and Managing Sciatica

Have you ever experienced a sharp pain radiating down to your leg from your low back? If yes, then you might be suffering from Sciatica. Now let’s understand what does the term “Sciatica” mean?

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica basically refers to the pain that travels along your sciatic nerve's pathway-which starts and runs down from the lower back passing through the hips, buttocks, and down each leg. It can often range from minor discomfort to sometimes excruciating pain and numbness usually affecting one side of the body. Understanding the source is important to manage the condition to help reduce symptoms and avoid its recurrence.

Causes

It can be caused due to many conditions which can lead to irritation or impingement on the sciatic nerve. Let's understand the most common causes:

1. Slipped disc or herniated disc-

This puts pressure on the sciatic nerve producing the symptoms.

2. Piriformis syndrome-

When the piriformis muscle is tight or under spasm it presses against the sciatic nerve.

3. Bone spurs-

formation of bony overgrowth compressing the nerve.

4. Spinal stenosis-

Most commonly occurs in the lumbar spine where the diameter of the spinal canal reduces causing pressure on the nerve root.

5. Trauma-

Injury to low back/pelvis.

6. Tumors/Infections-

More rarely a tumor can put pressure on the nerve.

7. Another most common cause is sitting with heavy wallets in your back pocket puts pressure on your buttocks/piriformis muscle further causing compression of sciatic nerve.

Symptoms

1. Pain radiating from low back down the leg

2. Tingling and numbness

3. Muscle weakness

4. Pain worsening with prolonged sitting, coughing and sneezing.

How to manage the symptoms?

Generally, the goal of treating sciatica is to reduce pain and improve mobility. Many of the treatments are do-it-yourself procedures. If your sciatica is more severe or won't go away, you may need surgery if other treatments are ineffective in the long run.

1. Pain Management-

• OTC(over-the-counter) drugs: such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) that can lessen pain and inflammation.

• Cryotherapy : To reduce inflammation, apply a cold pack for 15 to 20 minutes.

• Heat therapy : Use a heating pad or warm compress after the initial few days of using an ice pack. Apply a heat pack for 10-15mins. Use either hot or cold packs, depending on which one helps you feel better, if you're still in pain.

• Posture correction and rest: Use supportive beds and ergonomic chairs to avoid standing or sitting for extended periods of time.

2. Physical therapy-

• Stretching exercises: Your Physiotherapy may teach you how to focus and pay attention to the stretching of piriformis, glutes and hamstrings muscle stretching.

• Strengthening exercises: Once the pain is minimal and reduced you will be put on a strengthening protocol specifically designed for your back and core to support the spine.

• Posture training: Posture correction exercises such as slouch corrects can help maintain an erect posture.

• Alternative therapies like massage or acupuncture may help people relax and ease discomfort.

3. Lifestyle modification-

• Maintenance of healthy weight.

• Regular exercise- Strength and flexibility can be enhanced by low-impact exercises like yoga, walking, and swimming.

• Following proper workplace ergonomics.

4. Medical intervention Spinal injections-

• Corticosteroid injections:

  for example, can offer temporary relief. There is typically less discomfort because local anesthetic is used. You can learn more about this procedure from your Physician.

5. Surgical Intervention-

• When sciatica is more severe, surgery can be the best course of action. Doctors don't usually advise surgery unless you have symptoms that point to impending or existing nerve injury. If your symptoms don't go away after six to eight weeks of conservative treatment, or if your pain is so worse that it keeps you from working or going about your daily activities, they might also suggest surgery.

• Surgical intervention (for severe cases): To relieve the nerve compression, surgery such as a laminectomy or microdiscectomy may be suggested if conservative measures are unsuccessful. A healthcare professional should be consulted right once if sciatica lasts more than a few weeks, gets worse, or is accompanied by serious symptoms (such as extreme limb weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control).

  
  

  How to prevent Sciatica?

  Some causes of sciatica can be prevented or reduce the risk of happening if you follow the following :-

• Avoid lifting heavy objects incorrectly.

• Practicing good posture while sitting, standing and following proper ergonomics at workstation and home.

• Incorporating regular stretching and physical therapy into your regime.

• Addressing underlying conditions like obesity or osteoporosis.

• Taking frequent breaks and rest whenever required.

  
  

  Sciatica can disrupt your daily activities in a variety of ways. Thankfully, there are numerous things you may do to aid in your own recovery process. Milder cases are frequently treatable by yourself. It is frequently possible to cure more severe symptoms as well. Although rarely required, surgery may be an option if your symptoms are severe. Sciatica can be resolved with treatment, allowing you to resume your life as you see fit.

Sciatica is the pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, starting in the lower back and moving through the hips, buttocks, and down each leg. Various treatments are used to manage sciatica, enabling you to continue your life as desired.