What is #Sciatica
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SCIATICA

Usually caused by a compressed nerve in the lower spine, sciatica is the name given to the pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. Often, the term “sciatica” is confused with general back pain. However, sciatica is not just limited to the back. The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in a human body. It runs from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down the legs and ends just below the knee.

This nerve serves as controller of several muscles in the lower leg. It also supplies sensation to the skinof the lower leg. Sciatica is actually a symptom of another problem involving the sciatic nerve and not a condition in itself.

FACTS ON SCIATICA:

  • Sciatica is not a condition; it is a symptom.
  • The sciatic nerve is the longest in the human body.
  • The most common cause of sciatica is a slipped disk (listhesis)
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy can help some people manage the pain of sciatica.

CAUSES

  • The most common cause of sciatica is a disc herniation or slipped disc (listhesis). This occurs when the soft, gel-filled discs that lie between the vertebrae of the spine ruptures and compress and/or irritates the sciatic nerve.
  • Another common cause of sciatica is muscle spasms that compresses the sciatic nerve as it travels through the muscles.
  • Infections and tumors are the less common causes of sciatica.

SYMPTOMS

  • Sciatica is characterized by pain that runs from the lower spine to the buttocks, down to the back of the leg. The discomfort is felt almost anywhere along the path of the nerve. However it is especially likely to be felt around the lower back to the buttocks and the back of the thigh and calf.
  • The pain varies from a mild ache to a sharp excruciating pain. In some cases, it feels like an electric shock. It can be worse when the patient coughs or sneezes. Prolonged sitting can aggravate symptoms which is usually felt on only one side of the body.
  • Some patients experience numbness or muscle weakness in the affected leg. It is not impossible to have pain in one part of your leg and numbness in another.

If you have sciatica, your:

Bottom, back of the legs, feet and toes

may feel:

  • Painful (stabbing, burning or shooting pain)
  • Weak
  • Numb
  • Tingling (feel like pins and needles)
  • Back pain that is not as bad as the pain in the bottom, legs or feet.
  • Symptoms may be worse when you try to move, sneeze or cough.

NOTE: If you only have back pain, you probably do not have sciatica.

Easing the pain at home

Though it can sometimes last longer, Sciatica usually gets better in 4 to 6 weeks, however to help relieve the pain and speed up the recovery process it would be useful to;

  • Carry on with normal activities as much as possible
  • Do regular back stretches
  • Start gentle exercise as soon as possible.
  • Hold heat packs to the painful areas
  • Ask about painkillers that may help

Donot

  • Use hot water bottles if your skin is numb (you could end up scalding yourself).
  • Sit or lie down for lengthy periods (even if movements hurt, it can help make one recover much faster).

See a Doctor if;

  • pain does not improve after trying home treatments for a few weeks
  • pain gets worse
  • pain prevents the carrying out of normal activities

RISK FACTORS

Common risk factors include:

  • Age: people who are 30 years old and above have a higher risk of developing sciatica.
  • Profession/employment: some professions and employments require lifting heavy loads frequently and for long periods.
  • Sedentary lifestyle: Physically less active people who sit and or lie for long periods are more likely to develop sciatica.
  • Pregnancy: Although sciatica can be a problem during pregnancy, a lot of women suffer back pain during pregnancy. Hormones produced during pregnancy would cause ligaments to loosen up and stretch which can potentially cause back pain in many women.

However, sciatica due to a slipped disk is less likely during pregnancy.

PREVENTION

There are some lifestyle changes that can reduce the chances of developing sciatica. In some cases, sciatica can be prevented through:

  • Regular exercise and
  • Ensuring proper posture (when standing, sitting upright, and lifting objects).

TREATMENT

If you have any mentioned above symptoms don`t sit at home and try different pain-killers medicine like paracetamol, diclofenac etc, (NSIDs) or miorelaxantes like Serdalut,.The main aim of initial treatment is the relief of pain. Visit our hospital Diamed Alternative medicine specialist hospital to receive a professional care for your spinal problem. In our Centre you find full Natural complex therapy including physiotherapy, treatment massage, kinesiotherapy, etc. and medical support by herbal medicine.

Bed rest which was traditionally recommended, may in fact increase the problem and extend recovery.

PREVENTION

Back pain due to sciatica is common, however there are a number of measures that can help to prevent it occurring or at least reduce the likelihood of its recurrence.

These will include;

  • Maintenance of correct posture when standing, walking and sitting.
  • Maintenance of a healthy body weight.
  • Following an exercise regimen that maintains aerobic fitness and strength and flexibility in the abdominal and spinal muscles.
  • Practice of safe lifting techniques. When lifting;
  • Bend the knees and keep your back straight. This way the strain is taken by the hips and legs, and not the back.
  • Hold the object close to the body. The further away from the body the object is, the more stress is put onto the lower back.
  • Ensuring that the back is well supported when seated.
  • Use chairs that provide good back support and are designed to provide a good seating posture.
  • Resort to a lumber roll or contoured cushion to provide support for the lower back.

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