Sciatica is pain, tingling, or numbness caused by irritation of the nerve roots that lead to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is made up of nerve roots that extend from the spinal cord to the lower back. It goes down through the buttock, then its branches extend down the back of the leg to the ankle. Sciatica pain is usually felt from the lower back (lumbar area) to behind the thigh and can radiate below the knee. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. Sciatica pain is sometimes also known as sciatic nerve pain.
Well! If you have sciatica, your:
Bottom
Back of your legs
Feet and toes
You can feel:
Painful – Pain can be stabbing, burning, or stabbing.
Tingling, like pins and needles
Numb
Weak
What Causes Sciatica?
The most common cause of sciatica is a bulging or ruptured disc (herniated disc) in the spine that presses against the nerve roots that lead to the sciatic nerve.
In rare cases, sciatica can also be caused by conditions that do not involve the spine, such as tumors or pregnancy.
Sciatica can also be a symptom of other conditions that affect the spine, such as narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis), bone spurs (small, bony growths that form along the joints) caused by arthritis. or nerve root compression (pinched nerve) caused by injury.
Irritation of the nerve by bone, adjacent muscle, internal bleeding, infections in or around the lumbar spine, injuries, and other causes.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of sciatica include pain that begins in the back or buttocks and runs down the leg and can reach the foot. Leg weakness, tingling, or numbness may also occur.
Sitting, standing for a long time, and movements that can cause the spine to flex for a longer period of time (such as knee-to-chest exercises) can make symptoms worse.
Walking, lying down, and movements that extend the spine (such as push-ups) can relieve symptoms.
How is sciatica diagnosed?
Sciatica is diagnosed with a medical history and physical exam. Sometimes X-rays and other tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are done to help find the cause of sciatica.
How is it treated?
In many cases, the sciatica will improve and disappear over time. Initial treatment usually focuses on medications and physical therapy or physical therapy to relieve pain. May help relieve pain
Incorporating a combination of strengthening, stretching, and aerobic conditioning exercises is a central component of almost any sciatica treatment plan.
When patients participate in a regular gentle exercise program, they can recover more quickly from sciatica pain and are less likely to have future episodes of pain.
It is very important that the patient is a physically active participant in therapy and can take responsibility in the treatment process.
One needs to get EXCLUSIVE workouts from a physical therapist.