Typical symptoms of sciatica: what they are and how to prevent them

From msn.com

One speaks of sciatica when there is inflammation of the sciatic nerve, the largest, hardest and most twisted nerve in the entire body. In the acute phase, this condition can cause truly tremendous pain from the lower back down to the leg. Almost crippling pain, in the worst cases, that may even require surgery. However, there are ways to recognise this disease, and also excellent ways to try to prevent it. It is usually a treatable disease, but personal prevention, as with all diseases, is something that cannot be underestimated.

What is sciatica

One speaks of sciatica when there is an ongoing inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which is located in the lower back. The typical symptomatology is a pain, which can be either mild or sharp, that starts in the lower back, passes through the buttocks and reaches the side of the leg. The pain, however, is only localised in one part of the body, not both. It should be pointed out that leg pain does not necessarily mean sciatica. Symptoms such as tingling, numbness, lack of feeling or strength in the foot can also occur.

What are the causes of sciatica

It is difficult to list all the causes of sciatica. The main ones, however, are: an irritation or compression of a nerve root due to a herniated disc or protrusion, narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal or piriformis syndrome (a small muscle whose fibres pass the sciatic nerve); this can become irritated or compressed as a result of prolonged contractures.

How the diagnosis takes place

In order to understand whether one suffers from sciatica or from a different pathology, it is necessary to resort to a specialist examination, during which the doctor will perform certain manoeuvres (Lasegue's manoeuvre and Wasserman's manoeuvre, for example) useful to understand from which exact point the pain originates. The specialist may then suggest further investigations, such as MRI, X-ray, CT scan and electromyography.

Treatments for sciatica

Generally, sciatica resolves without the need for surgery in about six weeks. However, in the presence of other conditions, such as hernias that do not resolve, the specialist may recommend surgery, which solves the problem once and for all. During the acute phase, when the pain becomes almost crippling, total bed rest with flexed legs and taking anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and muscle-relaxing drugs is recommended. Antalgic epidural infiltrations and systemic corticosteroids may also be useful.

How to prevent sciatica

Generally, one of the main causes of sciatica is a sedentary lifestyle. So, if you work at a desk, for example, it is important to keep a correct posture and perhaps even a backrest or pillow behind your back. Equally essential is to have strong muscles that maintain the stability of the spinal column. In case of instability, the discs in the spine work harder and can be affected by herniations or protrusions that touch the sciatic nerve.

The importance of musculature

A perfect exercise for lumbar strengthening are planks for the deep transverse muscles to improve core stability. Stretching and stretching the thigh muscles is also useful. In general, aerobic physical activities such as jogging or cycling can help maintain a good muscle structure in general.

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