Back pain? Look for these symptoms to know if it is sciatica pain

From thesouthfirst.com

Many people suffer from lower back pain and sometimes it could even be a sciatica pain. What is sciatica pain? What are its symptoms and management options? Here's all about sciatica pain 

Sciatica pain is often misdiagnosed or misunderstood. It starts as a dull ache on the lower back, sneaks down your leg, and sometimes makes you wonder if it’s just a muscle cramp or something more sinister.

What is normally believed to be only a woman’s problem is experienced by millions of people across the globe irrespective of gender.

Speaking to South First, Dr HV Madhusudan, Specialist in General and Spinal Neurosurgery and CMD of Trustwell Hospitals in Bengaluru said, “Sciatica pain is quite common, affecting around 10 to 40 percent of the population at some point in their lives. It becomes more frequent with age,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Raviprasad Kattimani, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Sparsh Hospitals in RR Nagar said, “Sciatica is usually seen in people aged between 20 and 50 years and mostly in those aged between 30 and 50. It is rarely seen in those below 20.”

What is sciatica pain?

“Sciatica refers to the pain that travels along the sciatic nerve path. This nerve travels from the buttocks down to the legs. It happens whenever an irritating inflammation affects the sciatic nerve. It starts from the lower spines, branches through the hips, and buttocks and runs down each leg. The sciatic nerve is the longest in the body,” Dr Kattimani explained.

It could also cause numbness in the feet. It is associated with muscle weakness in the foot leading to muscle drop if it is compressed for a long time.

“Rarely, if the compression is very bad it can also involve urinary incontinence or faecal incontinence which means it is a serious condition and needs urgent surgical intervention,” he said.

Dr P Rohith, Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon and CEO of Jaya Multispecialty Hospital in Hyderabad said it can happen due to herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal stenosis compressing part of the nerve, leading to inflammation, pain, and sometimes numbness in the affected leg.

“Herniated disc is the most common cause, a prolapsed intervertebral disc, trauma leading to spondylolisthesis, osteoarthritis and in some cases, infection of TB, which is the most neglected condition that can also cause sciatica pain,” Dr Rohith explained.

Who is more likely to experience sciatica pain?

Sciatica is not restricted to any specific gender but tends to be more common in people aged 30-50 if there is increased physical activity or degenerative changes in the spine.

Dr Rohith said that it is a myth that sciatica pain mainly occurs in women.

“Studies show that men are more affected by sciatica than women, particularly younger men. However, women can also be susceptible, especially during pregnancy due to increased pressure on the sciatic nerve from the growing uterus and hormonal changes that affect ligaments,” Dr Madhusudhan said.

In women, the body weight and postural changes can put additional stress on the lumbar spine. Also, the differences in pelvic anatomy may contribute to variations in how sciatica presents between genders.

Meanwhile, doctors said that if a person is obese, then excess weight puts strain on the lower spine, increasing susceptibility. Even heavy lifting and repetitive strain, for instance, long hours of sitting can lead to sciatica pain.

Dr Kattimani said having insufficient core strength — weak muscles in the back and abdomen and can’t support the spine — also can lead to lower back pain. Nicotine use can also lead to the compression of nerve roots.

How to detect sciatica pain?

Dr Madhusudhan explained that sciatica often begins with:

• Lower back pain that radiates down the leg
• There is a tingling or numbness in the leg or foot.
• Weakness in the affected leg is seen.

If any of these symptoms are noticed, and if it worsens over time, it is essential to consult a doctor early for an accurate diagnosis.

Dr Ananya Puttaraju, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon from Bengaluru, said an orthopaedic surgeon after a physical examination might ask for an MRI or a CT scan to detect nerve compression.

How to differentiate back pain from sciatica pain?

Look for the location of the pain:

Back pain: Generally localized to the lower back, may not radiate to other areas.
Sciatica: Radiates from the lower back down to the buttocks, thighs, legs, and even feet, following the path of the sciatic nerve.

Type of pain

Back pain: Often dull, achy, or sharp depending on the cause (eg: muscle strain, disc issues).
Sciatica: Sharp, burning, or shooting pain along the sciatic nerve. It can feel like an electric shock.

Symptoms beyond pain

Back pain: May include stiffness, muscle spasms, and reduced flexibility in the back.
Sciatica: Can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg, foot, or toes.

Triggering activities

Back Pain: Aggravated by bending, lifting, or prolonged sitting/standing. Pain may be constant or intermittent.
Sciatica: Often worsens with prolonged sitting, sneezing, coughing, or movements that compress the sciatic nerve.

Underlying cause

Back Pain: This can result from muscle strain, poor posture, or degenerative disc diseases.
Sciatica: Typically caused by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or nerve compression affecting the sciatic nerve.

What works for sciatica pain?

Dr Kattimani said sciatica pain is mostly limited and solves on its own. He stressed that Sciatica often improves with self-care, but in severe cases, medical treatment may be necessary.

Medications and steroid injections:

“Pain relieving medications like Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Prescription medications, such as muscle relaxants, may be used for short-term relief only,” Dr Madhusudhan said.

He added that steroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation around the nerve.

Heat and cold therapy:

Heat and cold therapy can reduce inflammation in the initial stages. Dr Madhusudhan said heat packs can help relieve muscle tightness.

Lifestyle modifications:
Proper ergonomics at work, like adjusting chair height and maintaining a straight posture
Frequent breaks from sitting for prolonged periods.

Exercise for sciatica:
Regular stretching and strengthening exercises can help manage and prevent sciatica pain.

https://thesouthfirst.com/health/back-pain-look-for-these-symptoms-to-know-if-it-is-sciatica-pain/