7 warning signs to know if your sciatica is serious

From longevity.technology/lifestyle 

Do you experience a sharp discomfort that travels down your leg from your lower back? Or does your leg feel numb or weak, making walking challenging?

It could be sciatica, a condition that 40% of Americans experience at some point in their lives. The good news is that sciatica can be treated, and in most cases, after 3-6 months, it will go away on its own.

What causes sciatica and what precisely is it? How do you recognize this condition? When exactly should you visit a doctor? We address all of these questions in this article.

What is sciatica?

A medical ailment known as sciatica is characterised by pain, numbness, or weakness that spreads down the sciatic nerve’s course.

The sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back down the buttocks and legs, is the longest and thickest nerve in the human body.

The lower back, buttocks, and legs may experience pain and other symptoms when this nerve is pinched or inflamed.

Common causes of sciatica

Numerous conditions that affect the sciatic nerve or the tissues close by can result in sciatica. Following are some typical reasons for sciatica:

• Herniated or bulging disc: Discs that have herniated or bulged might push on the sciatic nerve when the discs in the spine get worn out or damaged.
• Spinal stenosis: This is a condition in which the spinal canal becomes constricted, placing pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, especially the sciatic nerve.
• Piriformis syndrome: The buttock’s piriformis muscle, which has the potential to tighten or spasm, might aggravate the sciatic nerve.
• Degenerative disc disease: Pain and inflammation result when the spinal discs lose their flexibility and capacity to absorb trauma.
• Spondylolisthesis: One vertebra may move out of position, causing a disease called spondylolisthesis, which puts pressure on the sciatic nerve.
• Trauma or injury: The sciatic nerve may become inflamed or compressed as a result of a traumatic injury to the lower back or buttocks.
• Pregnancy: Sciatica can develop as a result of strain on the sciatic nerve caused by the uterus’ expansion during pregnancy.
• Tumours: Spinal or pelvic tumours that impinge on the sciatic nerve might result in sciatica.

Where are the sciatic nerves located?

The biggest nerves in the body, the sciatic nerves originate in the lower back and go down the buttocks and down each leg.

The lumbar and sacral areas of the spinal cord in the lower back are where the sciatic nerves have their beginnings. The sciatic nerve, which emerges from the combination of nerve roots, descends through the buttocks and into the legs.

The thigh, leg, and foot muscles are supplied with sensation and movement by smaller nerves that branch off the sciatic nerve as it descends the leg. The skin of the leg and foot, as well as the hip, knee, and ankle joints, receive sensory input from the sciatic nerve.

Who is more prone to sciatica?

Anyone can experience sciatica, but there are some things that can make it more likely. Following are some elements that may increase a person’s risk of sciatica:

• Age: Due to wear and tear on the spine, an individual’s chance of acquiring sciatica rises as they age.
• Work: Jobs that require heavy lifting, extended periods of sitting or standing, or repetitive motions might raise the risk of sciatica.
• Obesity: Carrying around extra weight raises the risk of sciatica and adds strain to the spine.
• Diabetes: The sciatic nerve is susceptible to injury from diabetes, which can also impair nerve function.
• Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle can weaken the muscles that support the spine and raise the risk of sciatica.
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the weight of the expanding uterus can place strain on the sciatic nerve, resulting in sciatica.
• Genetics: Having a history of sciatica or other disorders affecting the spine may make you more likely to get the ailment.

It’s crucial to remember that a person need not necessarily have all of these risk factors in order to acquire sciatica. Likewise, a person need not have any risk factors in order to avoid developing this condition.

However, forming healthy lifestyle habits like keeping a healthy weight, working out frequently, and taking care of your posture can help lower the risk of getting sciatica.

7 warning signs to know if your sciatica is serious

Your quality of life may be negatively impacted by the discomfort associated with sciatica. While the majority of sciatica cases can be treated conservatively with drugs, physical therapy, and dietary changes, some cases may be more serious and demand urgent medical care. 

Here are seven indicators that your sciatica is severe:

1. Loss of bladder or bowel control

Cauda equina syndrome is a dangerous illness that needs immediate medical treatment if you suddenly lose control of your bladder or bowels or have trouble urinating.

2. Progressive weakness in the legs

It may indicate nerve injury and call for medical care if you gradually lose strength in your legs or find it difficult to elevate your foot or toes.

3. Numbness in the genital area

A medical expert should be seen if you have numbness in your inner thighs or vaginal region since this might be an indication of nerve injury.

4. Severe and constant pain

It may be a sign of a more serious underlying disease if you have intense and ongoing pain that does not go away with rest or over-the-counter medicine.

5. Sudden onset of symptoms

If your sciatica symptoms appear out of nowhere and develop suddenly, there may be a more significant underlying disease.

6. High fever

If you have a high fever along with sciatica symptoms, it could be a sign of an infection or other serious condition.

7. History of cancer

To rule out any cancer-related issues, it’s crucial to be checked out by a doctor if you have a history of cancer and are experiencing sciatica symptoms.

What could happen if you ignore the early signs of sciatica?

Ignoring the initial symptoms of sciatica might eventually result in more severe and incapacitating symptoms. The following are possible effects of ignoring sciatica warning signs:

• Increased discomfort: Sciatica pain can worsen and spread if it is not treated, making it challenging to carry out daily tasks.
• Numbness and tingling: Ignoring the first indications of sciatica can result in the leg being permanently numb and tingly, which can impair mobility and feeling.
• Muscle weakness: As the sciatic nerve gets increasingly inflamed or compressed, it may cause the affected leg’s muscles to become weak, making it challenging to carry out specific motions or tasks.
• Reflex loss: Ignoring sciatica may cause the afflicted leg to lose its reflexes, which may be a sign of nerve injury.
• Reduced quality of life: Prolonged sciatica pain can impair mobility, lower one’s quality of life, and cause anxiety or depression.
• Complication risk is increased: Ignoring sciatica can lead to problems including infections, blood clots, or muscular atrophy.

If you see any early indications of sciatica, you should consult a doctor right away so you can find the root of the problem and get the right care.

Early intervention can reduce symptoms and stop the problem from escalating into more serious stages.

Photograph: DC_Studio/Envato

How is sciatica treated?

The underlying cause and severity of the problem are usually factors in determining sciatica therapy. Here are a few typical remedies for sciatica:

1. Medication

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen, both available over-the-counter, can help reduce sciatica-related pain and inflammation. Muscle relaxants or prescription painkillers may be required in more extreme circumstances.

2. Physical treatment

A physical therapist can design a personalized workout regimen based on your unique requirements and objectives. Physical therapy can help with pain management, mobility enhancement, and building stronger muscles around the spine.

3. Hot and cold therapy

Applying hot or cold compresses to the afflicted region can help decrease inflammation and alleviate pain. This is known as the hot and cold treatment.

4. Injection therapy

Sciatica pain can be relieved and inflammation reduced with the aid of steroid injections, such as epidural steroid injections or nerve root blocks.

5. Surgery

To treat the underlying cause of sciatica, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, surgery may be required in severe instances.

6. Lifestyle modifications

Making lifestyle changes, such as keeping a straight spine, using safe lifting techniques, and exercising regularly, can help avoid or lessen the severity of sciatica symptoms.

In order to reduce discomfort, increase mobility, and avoid additional issues, treating sciatica is crucial. Ignoring sciatica symptoms can result in persistent pain, damage to the nerves, and a lower quality of life.

A successful sciatica treatment program can reduce discomfort, improve daily activities, and enhance overall quality of life.

Without treatment, sciatica pain and discomfort can make it difficult to carry out daily tasks and have a significant effect on one’s physical and mental health.

To identify the underlying reason and obtain the best care, it’s critical to seek medical assistance if you develop sciatica symptoms.

Most sciatica cases may be adequately treated, allowing sufferers to return to their regular activities and retain a high quality of life.

https://longevity.technology/lifestyle/7-warning-signs-to-know-if-your-sciatica-is-serious/

Self-Help for Sciatica: 9 Stretches for Pain Relief

From theepochtimes.com

Have you ever had a painful experience with sciatica? Sciatica pain is associated with tingling, numbness, weakness, and even an electric-shock-like or burning pain from the waist down to the feet. However, sciatica is only a symptom. What is its cause? Dr. Chen Chaolong from Quansheng Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic in Taiwan provided a few ways to relieve acute pain. Here are nine self-rehabilitation exercises he suggested.

Sciatica Causes

Sciatica is what modern medicine calls it. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) calls the condition “pain in the lower back and legs.” Sciatica affects many people, but definitive data on its incidence and prevalence are still lacking. An estimated 5 to 10 percent of people with low back pain also suffer from sciatica. Well-established personal and occupational risk factors for sciatica include age, height, stress, smoking, and exposure to vibrating vehicles.

The causes of sciatica pain can be roughly divided into four categories:

1. Trauma: When the spine is struck by an external force, such as in a car accident, it results in compression of the sciatic nerve.
2. Degeneration: This occurs mainly in the elderly. As one ages, the spinal ligaments become weaker, resulting in the progressive hollowing of the bone marrow. In addition, as the space between the vertebrae narrows, the intervertebral foramen gets squeezed, resulting in pain caused by nerve compression.
3. Poor posture: The lumbar spine is often subject to undue pressure, such as when a person has poor posture, tilts their pelvis forward too much, sits for a prolonged period, wears high heels too often, twists their back too much, and other factors. In this case, the spine is compressed, and the intervertebral disc is herniated, which squeezes the nerve.
4. Inflammation of the piriformis muscle: If the piriformis muscle in the buttocks is inflamed and swollen, it will press on the sciatic nerve below, causing pain.

TCM holds that environmental forces cause many diseases. These are called the six exogenous evils: wind, cold, heat, dryness, dampness, and fire. In addition to the above four causes, TCM believes that invading exogenous evils can also cause pain. These external forces could be as simple as squatting on the ground for a long time or even a humid environment. This pain is called arthralgia, or joint pain, caused by exogenous wind-cold-damp pathogens.

According to Chen, the most common cause of pain in clinical practice is the third one mentioned above: debilitating sciatica caused by poor posture.

9 Stretches for Acute Pain Relief

Chen believes that lying down is the best way to relieve acute pain quickly. Whether sitting or standing, the body’s muscles will be stretched one way or another, and the inflamed muscles cannot be relieved. He asserts that the real cause of many lower back pains is stiffness in the back muscles. When you lie down, your back muscles are released from being stretched. Lying down is also suitable for relieving stomach aches and menstrual pain.

The second step is to do soothing and stretching exercises for the tight back. Here are nine stretches to try:

1. Abdominal curl lying down: Lie on a yoga mat and curl your legs into your chest. Rest your hands by your sides, palms down, and press your hands into the ground. Use your core strength to lift your legs straight up or back over your head as far as is comfortable.

2. Abdominal curl in a sitting position:  Sit on a yoga mat and straighten your legs, letting your gluteal muscles work hard. Put your hands on the back of your head and bend forward as far as possible. Press your hands into the back of your head, but press back with your head to resist.

3. One-knee chest hug: Lie on a yoga mat. Bend and pull on one knee until it hugs your chest, and hold it there for 10 seconds. Then, switch to the other knee.

Abdominal curl lying down. (The Epoch Times)

Abdominal curl in a sitting position. (The Epoch Times)

One-knee chest hug. (The Epoch Times)

4. Double knees chest hug: Lie on your back on a yoga mat, pull in both knees with your hands until they hug the chest, and hold for 10 seconds.

5. Retroverted pelvis: Lie on a yoga mat, bend your knees, and place your feet flat on the ground. Roll your pelvis backward, pressing your back to the ground without any gaps. Hold the pose for 10 seconds.

6. Half sit-ups: Lie on your back on a yoga mat and, keeping your pelvis tilted backward, put your hands on the back of your head. Gently lift your shoulders off the ground until the lower edges of your shoulder blades are off the ground. Stay for about two seconds and then lower slowly.

Double knees chest hug. (The Epoch Times)

Retroverted pelvis. (The Epoch Times)

Half sit-ups. (The Epoch Times)

7. Stretch your legs: Sit on a yoga mat with your legs straight together and your toes pointing up. Bend forward as far as possible and reach for your toes.

8. Stretch your hamstrings: Stand with your right foot forward and extend your left foot as far back as possible. Bend your forward knee to 90 degrees. Maintain this pose for 10 seconds. Then, switch legs.

9. Figure-4 stretch: If your pain is caused by inflammation of the piriformis muscle, try this stretch. Lie on a yoga mat, put your right ankle on your left thigh, and hold the left thigh with both hands. Hold for 12 to 15 seconds, then switch legs.

Stretch your legs. (The Epoch Times)

Stretch your hamstrings. (The Epoch Times)

Figure-4 stretch. (The Epoch Times)

According to TCM theory, the meridian is the energy channel of the human body, which is responsible for transporting qi and blood to the whole body. These essential substances constitute the body and maintain all physiological activities. Some points on the meridians that have special functions are called acupoints. Stimulating the corresponding acupoints through acupuncture and massage can treat related diseases.

Chen also mentioned 10 acupoints for pain relief:

• Shenshu (BL23) and Dachangshu (BL25) on the waist
• Zhibian (BL54)
• Huantiao (GB30) and Chengfu (BL36) on the buttocks
• Weizhong (BL40), Weiyang (BL39), Chengshan (BL57), Fengshi (GB31), and Zhongdu (GB32) on the feet

At home, you can use a warm compress on these acupoints. However, Chen emphasized that lying down is the most effective posture to relieve acute pain.

Diet Considerations

Sciatica can also be considered acute inflammation. Chen advised those with sciatica to avoid four things as much as possible:

1. Cold food: TCM believes that “cold causes contraction.” This means that cold food will make the muscles stiff and unable to relax at will.
2. Sweets
3. Fried food
4. Spicy food

Moreover, TCM believes these things are inflammatory, so they are unsuitable for someone fighting inflammation.

Chen further suggested two more foods to incorporate when you have inflammation:

1. Protein: Adequate protein intake can help maintain muscle mass, possibly preventing further inflammation and helping the body recover.
2. Dark green vegetables: The primary nutrients common in dark green vegetables are vitamin A, vitamin K, folic acid, chlorophyll, and various phytochemicals, among others.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/health/self-help-for-sciatica-9-stretches-for-pain-relief_5265048.html

Ways to Relieve Sciatica Pain

From verywellhealth.com

There are many options for sciatica pain relief, including exercises, physical therapy, natural remedies, and medications.

This article will detail the various ways of easing sciatica pain, from conservative care to more invasive interventions.

LaylaBird / Getty Images

What Is an Integrative Treatment Plan?

Integrative medicine often combines Western-based interventions, such as medications or physical therapy, with complementary or alternative treatments, like acupuncture. The resulting treatment plan is much more focused on the overall health and wellness of the individual and less concerned with the disease process itself.

The treatment options outlined in this article are part of an integrative treatment plan for sciatica pain relief.

If you are experiencing a sudden onset of sharp pain, muscle cramping, numbness, or burning in one of your legs, it is important to have your symptoms evaluated by a medical professional.

Exercise

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to alleviate the discomfort associated with sciatica. It is important, however, to choose the right type. This is because inappropriate sciatica exercises may cause your symptoms to worsen.

Several stretches may help alleviate your low back's nerve compression.

Techniques include:

• Balasana (child’s pose)
• Knee-to-chest pose
• Cobra pose

The most effective exercises will be determined by the root cause of your sciatica. Any stretches that cause increased pain should be discontinued.

Strengthening exercises can help activate the muscles in your hips and core:

• Glute bridge
• Bird-dog
• Clamshell

These important structures support the lumbar spine and may provide sciatica nerve relief.

Is Bed Rest Ever Necessary for Sciatica Pain Relief?

Even though it may seem practical, bed rest is rarely the best option for treating this condition.

Physical Therapy

Once you’re diagnosed with sciatica, you may also receive a physical therapy (PT) prescription. Physical therapists (PTs) are skilled in assessing your symptoms and creating a customized exercise program to help reduce the
pain.

Accessing Physical Therapy

While some states or insurance companies require a prescription for physical therapy, others allow you to access PT directly without needing a referral. Many physical therapy clinics also offer self-pay discounts that make accessing these services more affordable.

One type of treatment—the McKenzie technique—is particularly effective in people experiencing acute sciatic pain radiating into the leg.

Other manual techniques, like massage or spinal mobilizations, may also be performed. Finally, some PTs also utilize spinal traction for sciatica symptoms, though it is still questionable whether this is truly beneficial.

Herbs and Supplements

People who pursue an integrative treatment approach for their sciatica may wonder if taking herbs or supplements is helpful. In fact, some initial studies have shown that properties from herbs like cannabis, namely (tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), can provide meaningful nerve pain relief in people with other diseases, like multiple sclerosis and cancer.

In addition, some animal experiments have shown supplements like ginkgo and saffron help reduce nerve pain. Unfortunately, these studies are still experimental, and no scientific conclusions have been drawn.

It is also worth noting that THC and CBD are not legal to obtain in all states. At this point, there is minimal evidence to support using this type of treatment for sciatica pain.

Acupuncture

One other type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatment that may benefit your sciatica is acupuncture. This Eastern medicine intervention involves inserting fine needles into trigger points on the body to alleviate your symptoms.

One review of research found that this natural sciatica treatment was effective in reducing the intensity of pain in people suffering from sciatica.

Medications

There is still some question about the best medicine for sciatica pain. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a common first-line treatment and include:

• Advil (ibuprofen)
• Aspirin
• Aleve (naproxen)

Other oral medications may also be recommended, such as:

• Muscle relaxants
• Lyrica (pregabalin)
• Topamax (topiramate)

However, the benefits of these drugs for sciatica-related pain have yet to be proven.

There is some evidence showing that Neurontin (gabapentin) can lead to meaningful reductions in sciatica pain. Additionally, epidural injections with steroids may also bring short-term relief, though there is doubt about the long-term benefits of this intervention.

Surgery

People who don’t respond to conservative treatments may need low-back surgery to address their sciatica pain.

Usually, this involves a lumbar laminectomy, diskectomy, or fusion procedure. These operations aim to alleviate disabling leg symptoms by reducing spinal nerve compression in the low back.

They are usually only considered if you’ve had persistent sciatica symptoms and have tried nonsurgical treatment for several months with no relief.

Tips for Easing Sciatica Pain Safely

If you are experiencing sciatica-related symptoms in your low back or leg, try these tips to help with the discomfort:

• Stay active by going on a walk or performing milder forms of exercise.
• Try gentle low-back stretches (like the child’s pose) to avoid increasing symptoms.
• Avoid extended periods of sitting or lying down.
• Apply heat or cold packs to the affected area several times daily for up to 15 minutes at a time.
• Have your symptoms evaluated by a healthcare provider if they do not improve.

Summary

Sciatica is a painful condition that can cause pain, numbness, and burning in your low back and leg. Staying active, trying physical therapy, and taking any medications that are recommended by your healthcare provider are common first-line interventions. Acupuncture may also be a beneficial treatment. In rarer cases, surgery may be needed to address persistent symptoms that don’t respond to conservative care.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/sciatica-pain-relief-7480957