Sciatica – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis And When to See a Doctor?

From metropolisindia.com

What is sciatica? Sciatica is a form of localised pain caused by the compression or irritation of one or more of the sciatic nerve’s roots. Sciatica is one of the most common causes of back pain, so one needs to be able to recognize the symptoms. Most people who suffer from sciatica experience pain, tingling and numbness in the lower back, buttocks, and leg areas. 

If left undiagnosed or untreated, sciatica pain can continue for a prolonged period and hamper your quality of life to a great extent. Patients require professional medical care to ensure a quick and smooth recovery.

The following part of the article discusses the causes, symptoms, treatments and when to opt for medical help. 

Symptoms of Sciatica 

Some of the most common symptoms that patients with sciatica pain may experience are as follows:

• Chronic pain and muscle spasms on one or both sides of the lower back region. Pain in the hip or posterior is also common.

• A sharp radiating pain in the legs that increases when you are sitting down or standing up.

• A feeling of numbness and weakness in the legs.

• A tingling sensation or ‘pins and needles’ in the feet, legs and toes.

• In rare cases, there may be a loss of bladder control caused by cauda equina.

In situations where you are experiencing symptoms of sciatica and they continue to persist over a long period, seeing a doctor at the earliest will help soothe your symptoms at a quicker rate.

Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica pain is usually the result of an underlying condition. To treat the pain effectively, the root of the problem needs treatment first.

• The leading cause of sciatica is a lumbar herniated disc. A herniated or slipped disc, occurring mainly in the lower back region, is usually the result of physical exertion, ageing or accidents. It typically applies pressure to the sciatic nerves, causing pain and discomfort.

• Pregnancy may also increase sciatica pain in individuals.

• In some cases, tumours in the lumbar spinal canal cause pressure to build, consequently compressing the sciatic nerve, resulting in sciatica.

• Accidental injury in the lumbar in the spinal region or sciatic nerve may lead to this condition.

• Many people develop a condition called spondylolisthesis, caused by a vertebra slipping out of alignment. In this case, sciatica may develop from nerve compression due to vertebral slippage.

• Lumbar spinal stenosis, a leading cause of sciatica among older adults, is the narrowing down of the spinal canal in the lower back. When spinal stenosis compresses the sciatic nerve, the patient may experience pain, tingling and numbness.

• A rare condition called cauda equina syndrome, which affects the bundle of nerves at the end of the spinal cord, can cause sciatica. It often results in radiating pain down the legs, accompanied by pain around the anus.

Diagnosing Sciatica

How will your doctor diagnose sciatica? Before starting your sciatic pain treatment, your doctor will begin with a preliminary check-up, where they will inquire about your lifestyle and your medical history. They will conduct physical examinations to see the condition of your spine and calf muscles. They also check how strong they are and whether or not they are functioning in the way they are supposed to.

They will then proceed with more thorough medical screenings. Some of these are mentioned below:

• X-Ray: It will take an image of your bones. It will help the doctor detect any abnormal growth in your spinal region and check for tumours, disc fractures or inflammations.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) Scans: These procedures combined will help get a clearer picture of the bone structure and the soft tissues of your body. It will also help find disc herniation and show whether any portion of the nerve is compressed. 

• Electromyography: This test will help detect how well your sciatic nerves carry electromagnetic impulses.

 Treatments for Sciatica

What are the treatment options for sciatica pain? After the first round of medical check-ups, your doctor may suggest some home remedies. They are as follows:

• Physical Exercise: The doctor may suggest some light stretching, yoga and aerobic exercise routines that may help you relax your hamstrings and your calf muscles and also work to alleviate your pain.

• Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying cold compresses, such as ice packs wrapped in a towel, to the affected area followed by using a heating pad can help ease muscle spasms and discomfort.

• Over-the-counter medications: If your symptoms continue to persist, your doctor may provide additional medications.

• Spinal injections like corticosteroids, given under local anaesthesia, have anti-inflammatory properties. This will help reduce pain and swelling up to a specified degree. Spinal injections are effective for 3 months. 

• Your medical practitioner may also recommend physiotherapy. Here, you will work with a professional physiotherapist to chalk out an exercise routine that will help reduce pressure on the nerves and also help improve your core strength.

• Doctors may also provide prescription medications such as anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxants. 

• If your body is not responding to any of the above treatments, the last option is having a surgical procedure.

When to See a Doctor for Sciatica Pain?

If you are experiencing muscle soreness or pain that extends for more than a week, worsening with time, consider visiting a doctor as soon as possible.

Bottom Line

Sciatica pain is a common occurrence, and according to a research report, it affects around 10% to 40% of the population. But with proper at-home care and medical guidance, you can manage your symptoms effectively. 

Early detection helps craft a proper treatment plan. To ensure the testing aspect of your treatment is well taken care of, consider visiting Metropolis Labs. You can get a health check-up as well as select, from a plethora of test profiles available, the option that best suits your medical needs. Visit Metropolis today to schedule a test!

https://www.metropolisindia.com/blog/preventive-healthcare/sciatica-symptoms-causes-and-diagnosis/ 

Sciatica pain: When to see a doctor

From expatliving.sg

If you’ve ever had shooting pains from your lower back travelling down your thigh and leg, you’ve likely experienced sciatica. Here, DR COLUM NOLAN, senior consultant neurosurgeon at Oxford Spine & Neurosurgery Centre, fills us in on the common causes of sciatica pain, when to see a doctor and sciatica treatment options. 

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a symptom caused by an underlying injury to the sciatic nerve, the body’s longest, largest nerve, which originates from nerves in the lower spine and runs through the buttock and back of the thigh, with branches all the way down to the heel and sole of the foot. It usually occurs on one side but can occur on both sides.

Common causes of sciatica include:

• herniated lumbar disc, or slipped disc;
• lumbar spinal stenosis, a progressive wear and tear condition that causes narrowing of the spinal canal and compression of the nerve roots;
• spondylolisthesis, where one vertebra slips out of line with the vertebra below it, compressing the nerve roots; and
• osteoarthritis, where bone spurs develop and compress the nerve roots.

Who is at risk of sciatica pain?

Sciatica is more prevalent in people whose occupations involve heavy lifting, prolonged sitting or prolonged periods of leaning over. It’s important to maintain good posture when sitting, standing, squatting down, and carrying and lifting heavy objects. Regular exercise, weight control and cessation of smoking are all important.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Sciatica can happen suddenly or gradually, depending on the underlying condition. For example, a herniated disc can cause sudden pain, but arthritic pain tends to occur and worsen over time. Nonetheless, there are common symptoms, including the following:

• a shooting pain or burning sensation that starts in the lower back and travels down through the buttock and radiates down the thigh, and sometimes, all the way down to the lower leg and into the foot;
• pain that can be worse in certain positions such as sitting, bending forward, trying to stand up or twisting movements;
• numbness or tingling in the leg, often in the same area as the pain;
• weakness of the leg in severe cases; and
• disturbance of bowel and bladder control in severe cases.

When should a doctor be consulted?

Luckily, for most patients, the pain is self-limiting and recovers naturally in four to six weeks. Some home remedies you can use to alleviate the pain include simple painkillers, hot or cold compresses and regular stretching. If your condition doesn’t improve or it starts to worsen, seeing a doctor for assessment is advised. If there is any weakness or difficulty with bowel or bladder control, an urgent assessment is highly recommended. And, if there has been any trauma, or if you have fever, weight loss, a history of cancer or are immunosuppressed, then seeking help from a medical professional is also recommended. Depending on your condition, your doctor may order an MRI scan.

What sciatica treatments are available?

The mainstay of sciatica treatment is usually a combination of medication for symptom control and physiotherapy. A physiotherapist can design a rehabilitation programme to correct posture, strengthen the back muscles and improve flexibility.

In some cases, sciatica treatment may include steroid injections, which can be useful for symptom control, particularly if medication is not helping. In severe cases with progressive symptoms, surgery may be an option. The purpose of surgery is to address the cause of the nerve compression and relieve the pressure on the nerves. Surgery is often done using keyhole techniques.

Oxford Spine & Neurosurgery Centre
#06-48/49 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, 38 Irrawaddy Road
6333 3013 | oxfordspineneuro.sg

https://expatliving.sg/sciatica-pain-treatment-singapore/

Steps for Easing Sciatica Pain

From newsmax.com

During his last year with the Los Angeles Lakers (2013-14), Hall of Fame point guard Steve Nash was harassed by fans for posting a picture of himself swinging a golf club.

Apparently the fans thought if he could do that, what's the excuse for missing more than 100 games because of serious back woes (bulging, torn discs) since becoming a Laker in 2012.

Nash’s response: “I suffer from sciatica and after games I often can't sit in the car on the drive home. There is an incredible difference between this game [basketball] and swinging a golf club.”

Sciatica affects around 40% of adults at some point in their life. Often, it's caused by a herniated disc in the lower back that's compressing a nerve root, but it can also be caused by spinal stenosis or a spasm of the piriformis or another muscle deep in the buttocks.

Whatever the cause, sciatica can trigger excruciating pain down the back of the leg, along with tingling, weakness, or numbness.

Fortunately, most people recover in three to 12 months with physical therapy. But it's important to take these steps to help speed recovery:

• First, get your prescription for physical therapy and combine flexibility training with aerobics and strength training. Aim for improved core strength and better posture to support your spine.

• Ask your doctor about taking an anti-inflammatory to ease discomfort so you can exercise.

• Manage your weight so you don't put extra strain on back and leg muscles.

• Don't sit too much. Stand to work and play as much as possible.

https://www.newsmax.com/Health/dr-oz/sciatica-pain-physical-therapy-Dr-Oz/2019/12/03/id/944276/

What to know about sharp lower back pain

From medicalnewstoday.com

Sharp lower back pain is a common source of discomfort for many people. It can cause concern to some people, especially when it appears without a known cause

Lower back pain is a widespread problem. About 80 percent of adults will experience lower back pain at some point.

In most cases, people develop back pain after doing something strenuous, such as lifting a heavy box, weightlifting, or making a quick twisting or jerking motion involving the back.

The level of the injury and the severity of the pain may affect the type of treatment a person needs. Sometimes, minor cases of sharp lower back resolve by themselves, but some people may require a visit to the doctor and physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles and prevent future injury.

Keep reading to learn more about some different causes of sharp lower back pain and how to treat them.

Causes

Many different muscles, bones, and connective tissues meet in the back. This means that individuals may experience a wide variety of symptoms in the lower back. Small variations in the way a person experiences pain may help a doctor identify the source of the pain.

Muscle strains

A muscle strain might happen as the result of a simple action, such as bending down to pick something up or twisting while holding something heavy.

A person may experience a sharp pain that causes a burning or tingling sensation or a radiating ache. They may also feel they have a stiff back, aching muscles, and pain that gets worse if they twist or move the back.

Muscle strains are generally minor injuries and often require little or no treatment.

However, these types of injury generally respond well to rest, which means avoiding physical activity for a few days while the muscles heal. While a muscle strain is healing, avoid sitting in an upright position, such as at the desk, as this may engage the injured muscles.

However, after a few days of rest, physical activity can help strengthen the muscles. A review in Asian Sine Journal notes that both general exercise and exercises specific to the back can help reduce lower back pain. Gentle activities, such as swimming or riding a bike, may help strengthen the muscles and keep the body healthy.

Also, working with a physical therapist to create a gentle workout routine can help strengthen the affected muscles in the back.

Hot or cold packs may help treat symptoms such as swelling and pain. Alternate between 20 minutes of cold and 20 minutes of rest a few times each day for the first few days. Afterward, using a heat pack may help relax the tense muscles and promote circulation.

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), may also help control symptoms. However, always follow the dosage recommendations and do not use them to work through the pain.

Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is a long nerve that runs from the back to the legs. Sciatica, which refers to pain in this nerve, occurs due to pressure on the sciatic nerve. This pressure can be due to an injury, such as a herniated disc, or more long-term issues, such as incorrect posture.

Sciatica is relatively common in adults, with between 10-40% of people experiencing it at some point during their lives. It is important not to generalize back pain or assume that any lower back pain is sciatica. Anyone who suspects they have sciatica should see a doctor.

Pain from sciatica may build up over time or come on all at once. It can also vary between a dull ache and an excruciating tearing or burning feeling.
Many describe the pain as warm or sharp, and it typically radiates from one side of the lower back down to the hip or buttocks.

Working with a physical therapist to help strengthen the back muscles might help alleviate pain from sciatica. Practicing proper posture, especially while seated, might gradually strengthen the back and prevent extra pressure on the nerve as well.

Intervertebral disk degeneration

As a person ages, the structures in the body age with them. The rubbery disks that cushion the spine can begin to wear down, often causing pain and stiffness in the back.

Some OTC anti-inflammatory medications and workouts may help relieve pressure on the disks.

Herniated disk

A slipped, or herniated, disk occurs when one of the spinal disks ruptures. This can put pressure on the nerves, which causes intense, sharp pain.

If the disk puts pressure on these nerves, a person might experience symptoms such as:

• tingling pain or numbness in the lower back, buttocks, and legs
• muscle spasms
• weakness in the lower back and legs

Most cases respond well to mild treatment, such as rest and physical therapy. Surgery may be an option in more severe cases.

Serious injury from accidents

Forceful injuries from impact sports, car accidents, and falls may all cause sudden back pain. Anyone who experiences back pain after such an event should visit the doctor right away because the pain might be a sign of something more serious, such as a fractured bone in the back.
Other signs of serious injury in the back can include:

• loss of bladder control
• numbness in the groin or pelvis
• weakness in the legs
• pain when coughing or urinating

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor.

Other chronic issues

Pain in the lower back may be due to an injury but may also be a sign of a chronic issue, such as:

• poor posture
• scoliosis
• spinal stenosis
• spondylitis
• kidney infection
• kidney stones
• arthritis
• fibromyalgia
• infection of the spine
• spinal cancer

In females, lower back pain might signal a range of conditions, such as ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, or ovarian cancer.

Situational causes

Back pain is widespread, and most people will experience some form of back pain from a muscle strain at least once in their lives. Back pain may occur due to a variety of seemingly everyday activities or situations, such as:

• lifting a heavy box
• moving furniture
• lifting heavy weights at the gym
• overstretching
• twisting while practicing sports such as tennis or golf
• engaging in physical contact sports
• twisting the back incorrectly while carrying weight
• carrying extra weight from pregnancy
• physical labour, such as agricultural or construction work
• sitting or standing for long periods
• wearing a purse, bag, or backpack over one shoulder

When to see a doctor

Sometimes, a person will know the cause of a sharp lower back pain. It may happen after they bend to pick something up or after an intense workout at the gym. In these cases, rest and home care may be enough to help the body heal.
There are some occasions when a person should see a doctor.
See a doctor if the pain does not respond well to home treatments or if a pain that has no known cause lasts more than a couple days.

Troubling symptoms, such as tingling or weakness in the legs, are signs to visit the doctor, as well.
Take note of any symptoms as they appear to share with the doctor. During the visit, the doctor will likely ask the person to describe their symptoms and how long they have persisted.
They may ask the person to do a series of movements to try and find the exact point of pain in the back and determine the underlying cause.
They may also order imaging tests to help with the diagnosis in some cases, such as X-rays or MRI.

Summary

Experiencing lower back pain is widespread. It often results from incorrect lifting or putting too much strain on the muscles in the back. Some chronic conditions may lead to back pain, as well.
Back pain from more minor injuries and strains generally responds well to home treatments, such as OTC pain relievers, ice, and rest.

Strengthening the muscles with physical therapy may help prevent strain injuries in the future. If the pain does not begin to get better within a few days, it may be time to see a doctor for a full diagnosis.

In each case, working directly with a doctor or physical therapist can help identify and treat the underlying cause of sharp back pain in most people.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327131.php#summary