Sciatica
Sciatica is not a condition nor a disease, rather it is a term used to describe the symptoms of leg pain with possible tingling, numbness or weakness originating from the low back tracing through the buttock and down the sciatic nerve at the back of the leg.
What are the symptoms of Sciatica?
Sciatic pain may present as a dull ache to a sharp, burning sensation to excruciating discomfort. It may also feel like a jolt or electric shock. Sciatic pain often starts gradually which intensifies over time that can be aggravated by coughing or sneezing, or after prolonged periods of sitting, standing or walking. It generally occurs on one side.
What is the cause of Sciatica?
One of the most common causes of sciatica is low back disc bulge. This occurs when part of the disc begins to protrude and press on a nerve exiting the vertebral column, sending pain along the nerve root from the back, down the buttock to the leg. Depending on the site of the nerve impingement, there maybe associated numbness, tingling or weakness. Some other causes of sciatic type pain are piriformis syndrome, spinal canal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), joint strain or a “pinched” nerve.
Certain factors can contribute to the likelihood of developing Sciatic pain:
Occupation – labour intensive careers that involve lifting under load, especially with twisting involved. Sitting for long periods of time (eg. Driving a car or truck) can also increase the risk
Age – age related change or deterioration of the disc, as well as osteoarthritis
Sedentary lifestyle – lack of exercise or prolonged periods of inactivity
Treatment
Treatment of sciatic pain depends largely on the diagnosis. Depending on the severity of the symptoms or the possible presence of a disc lesion, treatment is aimed at decreasing the presence of the nerve irritation, but each individual’s case presents differently, so treatment will vary according to the individual’s symptoms. Often sciatica is the end symptom of a long term strain or imbalance through the lower back.