If
you feel pain on your lower middle back when you bend or stretch and it
radiates down to your legs, then you might be experiencing sciatica. But what
is sciatica? It is a pain manifestation which resulted from the irritation of
the sciatic nerve. The pain usually begins at the lower middle back and may
extend down to the calf and foot depending on the affected nerve root. Sciatica
is not a disorder by itself but a symptom resulted from another medical
condition. People who are usually affected by sciatica are suffering from a
herniated disc. Any factor which directly inflicts irritation and inflammation on
the sciatic nerve produces the symptoms of sciatica.
The
sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. Its nerve roots run from the
lumbar spinal cord located at the lower back extending through the buttocks,
hips and lower limb. When this nerve becomes inflamed or irritated it produces
pain that resembles like a leg cramp. It makes neither sitting nor standing
difficult due to the intensity of pain it inflicts. Typically the pain is
aggravated when sitting, sneezing or coughing. Pain in acute sciatica usually
lasts for four to eight weeks and diminishes on its own depending on the
causative agent.
Sciatica
is often caused by the slipping of discs. It is common in people between the
ages of 30-50 partly because of aging. The general wear and tear of the
surrounding muscle of the back can easily be affected by any sudden pressure on
the disks. The disks serve as a cushion of the bone in the lower spine and if
it deteriorates may result to the symptom of sciatica; the intensity of pain
inflicted by sciatica varies.
Diagnosis
of sciatica normally includes a thorough medical assessment. Generally, the
doctor explains how the pain started and its common symptoms. Proper knowledge
and awareness are vital for the patient to clearly understand what is sciatica
and how does it affect them. The doctor may also have to review its signs and
symptoms through a physical assessment. Physical exam will help determine its
cause to be able to give a concrete prognosis. The test is also used to
pinpoint the affected nerves. Other tests such as x-ray and MRI may be
recommended for further evaluation.
Basically
the main goal of treatment for sciatica is to decrease pain intensity and
increase mobility. The cure for sciatica would normally involve rehabilitation,
surgery and medical management. If sciatica goes untreated it might lead to a
chronic condition and further complications. Acute sciatica condition usually
goes away with proper rest and time, without the need for surgery or any
medical management. There are ways to help prevent sciatica like regular
exercise to strengthen the back muscles and maintaining proper body posture at
all times.
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