The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body and runs from the spine to the back of the leg. It controls the muscles of the back of the knee and lower leg. It also provides sensation to the back of the thigh, the lower leg and the sole of the foot. When there is injury, damage or pressure applied to this nerve, a person may begin to experience weakness, tingling, numbness and pain in the leg, known as
Sciatica.
Sciatica occurs as an effect of an underlying condition such as Piriformis Syndrome, a slipped disk, spinal stenosis and injuries to the area such as the pelvis. There can also be the existence of a tumour on or around the sciatic nerve, applying pressure and causing the
symptoms of Sciatica.
Depending on the severity of the injury or condition that is causing the Sciatica, the symptoms will vary from patient to patient. Some may only experience tingling, dull aching, weakness or a burning sensation. The symptoms usually occur on one side although the numbness may spread to other areas of the body.
The symptoms may start off slowly and only occur at certain times of the day, typically night time. Alternatively, the person may not feel anything until adjusting their body weight, such as from standing after sitting for an extended period of time, stretching or bending. In some cases, the simple act of sneezing or coughing can be enough to cause an occurrence.
The pain of Sciatica can become quite severe, impacting the person to the point that walking becomes a very difficult task. The pain usually travels a path along the sciatic nerve from the lower back to the buttock, back of the thigh and calf. It can be just a dull ache or may become excruciating and has been described as feeling like a jolt of electricity.
Fortunately, most
sciatica pain is temporary and may disappear over time. Should the discomfort be consistent or gradually become worse, it is best to consult a doctor to determine what is causing the sciatica. Should the symptoms occur following an incident such as a car accident or the pain and numbness was sudden and cannot be eased by home remedies, the patient should make an appointment with a physician as well.
Loss of bladder and/or bowel control is a rare symptom of Sciatica. The patient may be diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome. Cauda equina syndrome affects the bundle of nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord and is considered to be an emergency requiring immediate help. It occurs when this bundle of nerves becomes compressed and cannot send out the signals for movement and sensation. If a patient is suspected to have cauda equina syndrome, it is important that it be addressed with surgery immediately or it may result in permanent paralysis and loss of bladder and/or bowel control.
Self care methods include the alternation of cold and hot packs, gentle exercise and over the counter medications. The
Dynaspine Back Support is also ideal for helping those with sciatica. The unique design of Dynaspine keeps the back muscles moving, helping them to become strong and give the spinal joints and discs the support they need. This gentle exercise helps to relieve the pressures placed on the lower back, which in turn helps to reduce the painful symptoms caused by
sciatica.
The patient may also require physical therapy. If the pain is severe, but the underlying condition does not warrant extreme measures, the doctor may prescribe prescription pain killers for short-term use. Tricyclic antidepressants or anticonvulsant drugs may also be prescribed as they increase the production of endorphins which is the body’s natural way of relieving pain.
Should the pain not be responsive or become worse despite the above mentioned treatments, it may be necessary that more aggressive methods such as steroid injections or surgery such as a diskectomy or microdiskectomy during which a portion of the herniated disk pressing on the nerve is removed.
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