What is Sciatica?

What is Sciatica?

To know the definition of Sciatica, this is characterized by lower back and hip pain that is either burning or “shocked”; Sciatica pain goes down the buttocks, leg, knee and at times, the foot.

Large nerves in the body, called the Sciatic nerves, (which are aptly described as big as the finger) is pinpointed as the cause of the pain in this medical condition. Consisting of a bunch of small nerves coming from the lower back portion of the spinal cord, the sciatic nerves travel from the inside of the buttock area to the back part of the leg; thus, explaining the pain trail of this condition. In this article you shall find more information on Sciatica

What causes it?
Usually, this condition is related to slipped discs; sciatica happens when the herniated disc has pinched on the Sciatic nerve or gets irritated in the course of inflammation caused by the bulged disc. Sometimes, it is also caused by passageways narrowed by sprained ligaments, swelling or arthritis in the surrounding area. This too makes the nerve tender or irritated. On extremely rare cases, blood clots, abscess or any abnormal growth may induce pressure on the nerve. Degeneration of the nerve is also seen as a probable cause.
Symptoms of Sciatica Back Pain

Lower back pain accompanied with posterior thigh, leg and foot pain is the most common indication of Sciatica. The pain is most prevalent on just one side of the body, where the affected sciatic nerve is located. Most patients describe the pain as burning, tingling or having a needles-and-pins feel. Extreme case sufferers account that the pain shoots excruciatingly on the affected areas that movement as simple as standing up is an agonizing task. Numbness may also be experienced by some, which is attributed to the loss of nerve signals to the affected area, such as the leg. At times, this situation may lead to inability to control the involved area.

Often times, the sufferer has long suffered lower back pain before it develops further down to the leg and foot areas. After which, the pain becomes more concentrated on the leg and foot; in some cases the back pain disintegrates. Long-term Sciatica patients attest that the inflammation is usually felt on the buttocks area and back part of the leg. In most cases, the pain of Sciatica is further aggravated by simple movements like sneezing, coughing, sitting, standing and lifting medium to heavy weights, as well as bowel movement.

Rare but extreme symptoms such as paresthesias, weakness and failure of the bowel / bladder functions may accompany the condition.

Diagnosing and treating Sciatica
Usually misdiagnosed for the common leg and back pain, physicians must determined if the cause is a referred pain (musculoskeletal strains) or radicular (nerve root inflammation) one. Certified experts conduct a thorough examination of the condition by way of looking for the pain in certain manipulation of body parts. Legs are part of the manipulated body parts; and if pain is detected in certain movements that cause the sciatic nerve to extend, then Sciatica is the most likely cause of pain.

In treating Sciatica, most medical experts recommend conservative treatments such as physical therapy (mostly stretching and strengthening calisthenics), proper rest coupled with painkillers or anti-inflammatory prescriptions. However, pain caused by slipped discs or other neurological structure problems may require patients to undergo surgery.
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