Sciatica is a pain that radiates from your lower back, buttocks or thighs down to your legs
Sciatica describes pain that radiates outward from the buttock or low back. The name is derived from the fact that pain is usually felt along the path of the sciatic cord.
The largest nerve in the body is the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is formed by several nerves that originate in your lower spine, similar to small streams merging into a river. The sciatic nerve is formed by the nerves that come from the lower spine (lumbar). The sciatic is then carried down the leg and split into smaller branches. The sciatic nerve transmits movement signals to the muscles in the leg, while sending pain, temperature and other sensory messages to the brain. The symptoms of “sciatica”, which radiate along a similar path, are all related.
Pain radiating from the lower spine, buttocks, or down one leg is a common first symptom. It may feel like the pain is coming from the buttocks area because of the location. However, it’s usually caused by an irritated lower spine nerve.
Symptoms include:
The symptoms may get worse with certain movements, such as raising or bending the leg in pain or bending the low back. Coughing, sneezing, or straining can also worsen symptoms.
Sciatica, or a group of symptoms, is more akin to a syndrome than an injury or a disease. It can therefore be caused by many different underlying mechanisms. Sciatica can be frustrating and confusing for both the patient and healthcare professionals seeking a correct diagnosis. However, it is usually caused by irritation of the spinal nerve roots.The lumbar pain is also known as lumbar radiculopathy because the nerve roots that are irritated are in the lower back. Most commonly, the irritation comes from bone spurs or disc tissue that compresses the nerve. Nerves can be compressed by other structures such as tumors, fractured bones, or inflammatory processes.
The following are some common causes of spinal cord compression:
Sciatica is often caused by irritation of the sciatica nerve, which travels along the leg and buttock. Sciatica is often caused by scar tissue around the nerves, which can occur as a result either of a hamstring injury or hamstring surgery. Sciatica is treated with surgical release, or ultrasound-guided hydrodissection.
Incorrect spine mechanics is one of many factors that can increase your risk of developing sciatica. It is important to consider how you lift heavy objects, sit and perform other daily activities.
Sciatica symptoms can go away on their own. Self-care can include stopping all activities that cause pain, stretching your lower back and applying ice to the painful area.
