Today's post from neuropathytreatments.com (see link below) talks about a common nerve problem that many people confuse with neuropathy, or see as a form of neuropathy. In the case of Sciatica, the nerve is not so much damaged (as in standard neuropathy) as inflamed or irritated, leading to significant pain, mostly in the backs of the legs. This can come from a trapped nerve in the lower spine, or a herniated disc. This article explains the condition and gives several useful tips as to what to do to relieve the pain. Worth a read if sciatica is a problem for you.
Posted on February 12, 2014
Sciatica is nerve pain from irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and begins from nerve roots in the lumbar spinal cord in the low back and extends through the buttock area to send nerve endings down the lower limb. Sciatica pain is typically felt from the lower back to behind the thigh and radiating down below the knee. The pain of sciatica is sometimes referred to as sciatic nerve pain. Treatments for sciatica depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the pain.
Causes of Sciatica
Any cause of irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve can reproduce the symptoms of sciatica. However, the most common cause is a herniated disk in the lumbar region that is pressing on a nerve. Other than a pinched nerve from a disc, other causes of sciatica include irritation of the nerve from adjacent bone, tumors, muscle, internal bleeding, infections, injury, and other causes. Sometimes sciatica can occur because of irritation of the sciatic nerve during pregnancy.
Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, lumbar disc disease, and trauma or injury to the lumbar spine are all risk factors for sciatica.
Symptoms
Lumbar pain, buttock pain, hip pain, and leg pain are the results of sciatica. This condition causes pain, a burning sensation, numbness, or tingling radiating from the lower back and upper buttock down the back of the thigh to the back of the leg Sometimes the pain radiates around the hip or buttock to feel like hip pain. Sciatica can make walking difficult and severe sciatica may make walking almost impossible. Sometimes the symptoms of sciatica are aggravated by walking or bending at the waist and relieved by lying down. The pain relief by changing positions can be partial or complete.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A physical exam and medical history usually diagnoses sciatica. The typical symptoms and certain examination maneuvers also help with diagnosis. Sometimes, X-rays and other tests, such as CT scan, MRI scan, and electromyogram, are used to further define the exact causes of sciatica.
There are treatment options for sciatica. Back in the day, doctors would recommend bed rest but research has derailed that presumption. Today, other treatments have shown promise of relief. One option is to address the underlying problem. For example, relieving a herniated disk may help relieve sciatica. Surgical procedures can sometimes be required for persistent sciatica that is caused by nerve compression at the lower spine. Some patients respond to medications for the pain and others turn to physical therapy to reduce symptoms. A variety of low back conditioning and stretching exercises are employed to help people recover from sciatica.
Tips for Pain Relief
Most cases of sciatica improve over a month and go away on its own without any medical intervention. However, there are some things you can do at home to help with symptoms.
Resume normal activity as soon as possible but activities should be done without strain or stretching.
Avoid intense exercise and physical activity, particularly heavy lifting and trunk twisting, if there is serious back pain.
Try an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory as these medicines often provide significant benefits.
Apply heat to the painful area. Heat may work better than medicine. One research group found that people with low back pain who wear low-level heat wraps for eight hours a day have significantly less pain and disability.
Supportive back belts, braces, or corsets may help some people temporarily, but these products can reduce muscle tone over time and should not be used over a long period of time.
Get plenty of sleep. Healthy sleep plays a vital role in recovery. It is often difficult to get a good night’s sleep when suffering from back pain, particularly because the pain can intensify at night. Avoid caffeine and unwind before bed by taking a warm bath or practicing relaxation techniques. Some people may need medicine to help manage nighttime pain or treat sleeplessness. Lying curled up in a fetal position with a pillow between the knees or lying on the back with a pillow under the knees may help.
According to one study, yoga relieves low back pain better than conventional exercise or self-help books.
Exercise, diet, stress, and weight can influence back pain. Changing certain lifestyle factors can help reduce, and possibly prevent, backaches.
Sciatica can be very debilitating for patients. Proper care must be taken to help with the pain from this condition. Causes vary but most cases of sciatica heal themselves over time. Several tips can help with pain symptoms. Sciatica cannot always be prevented but maintaining a healthy lifestyle and using practical sense when it comes to lifting and bending will keep sciatica from becoming a frequent visitor.
http://neuropathytreatments.com/2014/02/
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