Sciatica

Sciatica pain

The term sciatica describes the symptoms of pain and possibly tingling, numbness or weakness that travels from the low back through the buttock and down the large sciatic nerve in the back of the leg. The sciatica Nerve is the largest longest nerve in the body. Sciatic pain is caused when a nerve root in the lower spine is pinched or irritated, and is commonly caused by a lumbar herniated disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease or spondylolisthesis. The clinical diagnosis of sciatica is referred to as a “radiculopathy”, meaning that a disc has protruded from its normal position in the vertebral column and is putting pressure on the nerve root in the lower back, which forms part of the sciatic nerve.Sciatica occurs most frequently in people between 30 and 50 years of age. Often a particular event or injury does not cause sciatica, but rather it may develop as a result of general wear and tear on the structures of the lower spine. The vast majority of people who experience sciatica get better with time (usually a few weeks or months) and find pain relief with non-surgical treatments.

Description of sciatica

For some people, the pain from sciatica can be severe and debilitating. For others, the pain might be infrequent and irritating, but has the potential to get worse. Usually, sciatica only affects one side of the lower body, and the pain often radiates from the lower back all the way through the back of the thigh and down through the leg. Depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain may also radiate to the foot or toes.One or more of the following sensations may occur as a result of sciatica:·         Pain in the rear or leg that is worse when sitting·         Burning or tingling down the leg·         Weakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg or foot·         A constant pain on one side of the rear·         A shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up·         Low back pain may be present along with the leg pain, but usually the low back pain is less severe than the leg pain.

If you have Sciatica over the next week I will post your options.

Thanks for reading,

Dr Dan