Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Complications and Treatment

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Overview

 

  • Pain that follows the sciatic nerve’s route is referred to as sciatica.
  • The most frequent cause of sciatica is pressure from an excess of bone or a herniated disk on the nerve roots of the lumbar spine. In the afflicted leg, this results in discomfort, inflammation, and frequently some numbness.
  • While sciatica can cause severe pain, situations resulting from a herniated disk can resolve with therapy in a matter of weeks to months. Surgery may be necessary for people with severe sciatica, significant leg weakness, or alterations in the bowel or bladder.

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Symptoms

  • Almost anywhere along the nerve route, sciatica pain can occur. It is particularly prone to travel from the low back to the buttocks, as well as the back of the leg and thigh.
  • A minor pain to a burning, excruciating agony could be the range of the discomfort’s intensity.Sitting for extended periods of time or coughing or sneezing can make it worse. One side of the body is usually the only one affected by sciatica.
  • Additionally, some persons have muscle weakness, tingling, or numbness in their legs or feet. There may be numbness in one area of the leg and discomfort in another.

When to see a doctor

Usually, mild sciatica resolves with time.If self-care approaches fail to ease symptoms, call your primary care physician. Additionally, give a call if the pain is severe, worsens, or lasts more than a week. Seek prompt medical attention for:

  • Sudden weakening or numbness in a leg muscle.
  • pain after a serious injury, such as a car accident.
  • Difficulty managing the bladder or bowels.

Causes

Sciatica is caused by pinching the nerve roots of the sciatic nerve. The most common causes are either an overgrowth of bone, commonly known as bone spurs, on the spinal bones or a herniated disk in the spine. Rarely, a tumor may compress the nerve.

Risk factors

Sciatica risk factors include:

Age.  Herniated disks are most common in people between the ages of 20 and 50. Bone spurs are becoming more common as people age.

  Being overweight increases the strain on the spine.

Profession. Herniated disks may result from work that involves bending the back, lifting large objects, or operating a motor vehicle for extended periods.

prolonged sitting. Compared to active persons, those who sit a lot or don’t move about much are more likely to have herniated disks.

diabetes. This condition changes how the body uses blood sugar, which increases the risk of nerve damage.

 

Complications

Most people who have herniated disk sciatica recover fully, often without the need for medical assistance. However, sciatica can harm nerves. Get medical help right now for:

  • Sensation loss in the afflicted limb.
  • Weakness in the leg that is afflicted.
  • loss of intestinal or bladder control.

Prevention

Sciatica can recur, and prevention isn’t always viable. To keep your back

safe:

Engage in regular exercise. Work your core muscles, which are the muscles in your abdominal and lower back that are necessary for proper alignment and posture to maintain a strong back. A medical expert might suggest activities.

When sitting, maintain proper posture. Select a seat with a swivel base, armrests, and decent lower back support. For better low back support, place a pillow or rolled towel in the small of the back to preserve its natural curvature. Maintain level hips and knees.

Make proper use of your physique.  When standing for long periods of time, occasionally place one foot on a stool or small box. When lifting something big, let your legs do the lifting. Keep the weight near your body. Avoid lifting and twisting simultaneously.

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