Sciatica is a fairly common condition, affecting people of all ages. Pain appearing in the lower back radiating to the buttock, thigh, but also the foot can herald just the problem, which is sciatica. It is also worth remembering that these complaints can also be a harbinger of another disease. Learn more about this condition, the symptoms, and what are the effective treatments for this problem.
- Sciatica - what is this condition?
- Symptoms of sciatica
- How can alleviate the pain caused by sciatica?
Sciatica - what is this condition?
Sciatica is defined as a syndrome of pain complaints involving the lower back. This problem occurs as a result of damage to or irritation of the sciatic nerve. Radiation of pain to the buttock, thigh, foot is a characteristic feature of this condition. The severity of the pain can vary depending on the severity of the problem.
Factors that increase the risk of sciatica:
- Compression of the intervertebral disc on the nerve roots
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal canal stenosis
- Discopathy
- Purulent lesions
- Overweight
- Ignited state
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Excessive effort
- Lack of physical activity
- Cancerous tumor
At the very beginning, the pain may be localized only in the lower back area. Then, over time, the pain may spread to further parts i.e. buttocks, thighs and even go down to the foot.
Sciatica It usually attacks unilaterally, but there are also cases where it affects both sides simultaneously. As a rule, a sciatica pain attack is very severe, but there are times when the pain increases gradually. Patients also often report that something has been aching for some time before a severe attack of sciatica.
Symptoms of sciatica
Sciatica can produce many symptoms. Back pain radiating into the leg may not be the only symptom. Common symptoms, include:
- Pain radiating to the back of the thigh
- Pain radiating to the buttock
- Strong pain in the lumbosacral region
- Numbness and tingling in the back
- Contraction
- Sensory disturbance in the legs
- Pain occurring at night
- Foot drop
If you are accompanied by such symptoms, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible. If you do not react in time, the problem will worsen and the pain will become even worse. During a sciatica attack, you may experience problems with bowel movements, incontinence, or general weakness.
How can the pain caused by sciatica be relieved?
In treating sciatica, it is important to follow a few important rules, especially immediately after an attack occurs. It is advisable to avoid physical activity to relieve pressure on the spine and to rest. Remember, however, that the rest should not last too long. Patients who are dealing with true sciatica are recommended to go to the ED. Rest is also recommended for a few days until the symptoms diminish/remain.
Once the acute sciatica attack has subsided (and the severe pain has subsided), rehabilitation, including physical therapy, should be implemented in the patient. This will give the patient a chance to avoid an attack in the future. Rehabilitation includes exercises, massage, but also treatments, eliminating pain and inflammation (laser therapy, shock wave therapy).
Patients diagnosed with sciatica are advised:
- Physical activity
- Going to the pool - swimming preferably in the back position
- Stretching exercises for tense back muscles,
- Exercises to strengthen lower back, buttocks, abdominal muscles
- Exercises to improve spinal mobility
- Exercises to help correct posture
In some cases, surgical treatment may be necessary, but this is a last resort, for example, when there is severe limb paresis. The earlier you start taking measures to eliminate sciatica, the longer you will enjoy good health and, above all, avoid invasive treatment.