Sciatica
Content description
Sciatica is a painful condition in which the longest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve, becomes pinched or irritated. This nerve runs from the lower back, through the buttock muscle, and down the leg. This causes pain to often radiate down the leg, which can affect both daily life and the ability to move freely. Whether you have sciatica due to a herniated disc, muscle strain, or pregnancy, it is important to understand the symptoms, causes, and how to treat and prevent the condition.
Symptoms of sciatica
The most common is that you experience:
- Pain radiating from the lower back down the leg
- Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
- Weakness in the leg or foot
- Difficulty controlling movements or reflexes in the leg
- Pain that worsens when coughing, sneezing, or sitting for long periods of time
Causes of sciatica
The cause is almost always pressure on the sciatic nerve. This can be a herniated disc, where part of a disc in the lumbar spine presses against the nerve, which is especially common in younger adults and people who lift heavy objects at work. Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal, can also put pressure on the nerve and cause sciatic pain, especially in older people. Sometimes muscles, especially the piriformis muscle in the buttock region, can press on the nerve and cause similar symptoms. During pregnancy, pressure on the pelvis and back increases, which can also trigger sciatica. It is important to understand that sciatica is not a disease, but rather a symptom of something pressing on or irritating the nerve.
Treatment of sciatica
Treatment is tailored to the cause and severity. For most people, sciatica pain goes away within a few weeks with self-care. It is important to try to keep your body moving, but avoid heavy lifting and rapid movements. Painkillers can be used to facilitate exercise and activity. Many people find great help from physical therapy, which focuses on strengthening the back, abdominal and gluteal muscles. Exercises such as stretching the back and buttocks and walking usually ease the pain. In some cases, heat or cold is used on the painful area. If the pain is severe or does not go away, you may sometimes need additional treatment, such as injections or, in rare cases, surgery to remove pressure on the nerve.
Prevention and self-care
To reduce the risk, you should consider exercising regularly, strengthening your core and leg muscles, and avoiding heavy lifting in your daily life. Sitting correctly when working on a computer and taking breaks is just as important as not overloading your back during physical activity. If you have previously had problems, it is wise to continue with preventive exercises even when you are pain-free. Avoiding excess weight can also help reduce the risk of recurrence.
When should you seek medical attention?
You should contact your healthcare provider if the pain is very severe and not relieved by self-care, or if you experience weakness, numbness or decreased sensation in your leg. If you lose control of your urine or stool, or if both legs are affected at the same time, you should seek emergency care immediately, as this may be a more serious injury.
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How do I know it's sciatica and not regular back pain?
Sciatica pain often radiates down the leg and follows the path of the nerve, while common back pain often remains localized in the lumbar spine.
Can sciatica go away on its own?
Yes, many people become symptom-free in a few weeks with proper self-care, but sometimes medical treatment is required.
What exercises are best for sciatica?
It depends on the cause, but stretching the buttocks and back and strengthening core exercises are often helpful.
When should I seek emergency help?
If you experience numbness in your lower abdomen or lose control of your urine/bladder or bowel movements, you should seek emergency care.
