Sciatica Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Sciatica is a general term used to describe pain that radiates from the waist down to the lower legs. This pain occurs due to irritation of the sciatic nerve which is in the spine.
Sciatica is quite common. It is estimated that about 40 percent of adults will experience sciatica in their lifetime.
Sciatica can occur when a person has a pinched nerve or has another disorder that puts pressure on the pelvic nerves. Generally, this condition can recover without special treatment after some time.
However, in some cases special treatment may be required, such as surgery.
Sciatica Symptoms
In general, sciatica is characterized by pain radiating from the waist to the lower leg on one side of the lower leg. It is very rare for sciatica to cause symptoms of pain in the right and left legs.
The pain caused usually feels like being slashed or torn, and occurs continuously. But generally, the pain decreases when the sufferer lies down and gets worse when standing or sitting.
Apart from pain, sciatica can also cause symptoms of numbness or tingling in the lower legs or soles of the feet. If the condition is severe, the legs can also be difficult to move so that people with sciatica have difficulty standing and walking.
Sciatica Reason
There are various causes of sciatica, but the most common are:
- Hernia nucleus pulposus (HNP), the common people know it as a pinched nerve.
- Degenerative processes in the spine due to aging.
- Spondylolisthesis, which is a shift in spinal segments that usually occurs due to a collision or accident.
- Narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis), which generally occurs as a result of aging.
Diagnosis
To find out the presence of sciatica, the doctor only needs to do a physical examination and examine the nerves of the lower limbs and soles of the feet.
However, to find out the exact cause of sciatica, usually an X-ray or MRI of the spine is needed.
If sciatica is suspected to occur due to problems with the bones, an X-ray examination is needed to find out the bone abnormalities that are experienced. If a nerve or muscle problem is suspected, an MRI of the spine should usually be ordered.
Sciatica Treatment
If new sciatica lasts less than two weeks, then treatment can be done at home by:
- Take pain medication
- Physical exercise such as walking or stretching
- Alternate warm and cold compresses on the lumbar area
However, if sciatica lasts for two weeks or more, then treatment by a doctor is needed. In addition to giving painkillers, doctors usually advise patients for medical rehabilitation, such as physiotherapy, diathermy, and so on.
If sciatica is caused by a disturbance in the nerves, sometimes surgery in the spinal area is needed.
Prevention
A person’s risk of experiencing sciatica can be reduced by doing regular physical exercise (eg swimming, jogging, cycling) and maintaining good posture when sitting, standing and lifting heavy objects.