What You Need to Know About Sciatica

From livinggossip.com

It has been estimated that about 5% to 10% of the patients suffering from back pain have the sciatica condition. The population prevalence with the condition stands out at 2%. Sciatica is the inflammation and compression of the sciatic nerve, causing pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve—the pain branches from the lower side of the back, to the hips, butt, and down the leg. Primarily, sciatica tends to affect one side of the body. The condition mostly occurs when the herniated disk bone narrows towards the spine, causing the spine’s compression. 

What are the most common symptoms of sciatica?

Due to the compression and the sciatic nerve’s inflammation, the condition tends to be a painful one. The most common symptom associated with the condition include the following:

1. An individual with the condition experiences intense back pain, especially on the lower side.
2. The buttocks also experience much pain.
3. The legs and the foot also experience intense pain.
4. Pain narrowing down the leg and shooting on one side of the thigh.
5. At some point, an individual may feel weak or experience numbness in one leg.
6. There is also a tingling sensation in the back and the leg.

What are the conditions that trigger sciatica?

The sciatica condition typically starts when one of the vertebral discs on the spine slips, causing compression on the sciatic nerve. The vertebral disc usually is jellylike tissues acting as shock absorbers separating vertebral bone. The other symptoms associated with the condition are bone subdivision, narrowing of the spinal canal, a ruptured disc, pinched nerves, and arthritis.

How is the condition diagnosed and treated?

A thorough examination is conducted on a patient with the condition. The examination typically involves a series of x-rays and other imaging studies. The doctors also review the nature of the pain by asking the patient questions. The doctor will then decide the best treatment plan from several options, including nerve block, trigger point injections, and massage therapy. Other treatment options are therapeutic exercise and chiropractic adjustments.

What are the risk factors associated with sciatica?

Age-related changes in the spine are one of the significant risk factors. It contributes to a herniated disk and bone subdivision. Obesity is another major factor as it increases stress towards the spine. The excess body weight on the spine triggers the pain. Occupations that require an individual to twist their back or carry heavy loads lead to pain on the spine, causing sciatica. Long hours of driving also lead to the condition. Prolonged sitting is also a significant risk factor. People who sit down for an extended period are more likely to suffer from the condition. Diabetes is also a factor. This condition generally affects the way the body uses the blood sugars, hence increasing damage to the nerve.

 Conclusion

Sciatica is a severe condition that requires adequate and proper medical intervention.

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