The Appropriate Treatment for Sciatica Pain
Our nervous system is a complex group of nerves that are distributed throughout the whole body. Specialized cells called neurons make up the nerves, which help coordinate behavior and transmit signals through various body parts. There are specific nerves that are assigned to particular regions. The largest known nerve in the human body is the sciatic nerve. Developed by the connection of five nerve roots from the lower vertebrae, this major nerve crosses deep through the buttocks and down the backside of the legs, all the distance to our feet’ base. Since the sciatic nerve is widely extensive, any damage to it could be detrimental to the lower part of the body.
What is Sciatica?
Research shows that sciatica is a kind of lumbar radiculopathy. This particular disorder leads to pain/discomfort in the lower back and hip, radiating along the backside of the thigh and into the leg. If the sciatic nerve is impaired, it can lead to a host of lower body problems. Any negative neurological sign or physical damage as a result of this is known as sciatica. The effects of this condition are felt all along the length of the nerve. The pain is due to inflammation or compression of the nerve, which can result from several possible reasons.
The Potential Causes of Sciatica Pain
Herniated Disc: This condition is one of the main reasons for sciatica and totaling up to 90% of cases. The vertebrae that make up the spine are supported by round-shaped discs, which serve as shock absorbers for the spine. A herniated disc occurs when the inner contents leak out into the surrounding and apply pressure to the nearby tissues. Discs that enter the herniation process are usually entering an early degenerative stage. An extreme injury can cause a herniated disc, but it can also happen gradually through a natural process. The longer the spinal disc’s degradation phase, the more prone it is to rupture when it is subjected to strain. Even though herniated discs are more common in the lumbar spine, the pain is experienced wherever the discs have been affected.
Bone Spurs: Also known as osteophytes, these are hard and smooth bumps of additional bone that can form on the vertebrae’s ends in the lumbar spine. Bone spurs usually don’t cause any problems, but when they rub against other bones or put unwanted pressure on the sciatic nerve, it leads to painful sensations. It is usually the result of spinal stenosis, a condition usually found in adults 50 years or older. Lumbar stenosis is the most common form, which contributes to bone spurs and narrows down the spinal canal. As the spinal canal constricts, the lumbar vertebrae’s space gets smaller, and the sciatic nerve gets compressed.
Spondylolesthesis: The condition where a vertebra slips out of its respective position and rests on top of the bone segment. If the fracture is a cause of stress, the reason may very well be spondylolysis. However, this complication can also be the result of the vertebra slipping due to a degenerative condition. The undesired pressure placed on the bone below can irritate the sciatic nerve. When the space required by the respective nerve is taken due to constriction, a painful compression can occur.
Risks of Aggravation of Sciatica Pain
Old age: Out of all the various reasons for sciatica pain, age-related issues are the most common. With time, old age catches up with you, and your lumbar spine undergoes negative changes leading to partial or complete degradation.
Diabetes: High blood glucose concentration can lead to damages to the sciatic nerve. If you do have diabetes, it is crucial to regulate your blood sugar in a narrow range to avoid any possible problem.
Weight Issue: With obesity comes a significant amount of pressure on your bones; your lumbar spine, in particular, feels most of this pressure. The excessive stress applied to the spine can trigger sciatica and make you go through a world of pain.
Lifestyle: If you have a job that required strenuous work and frequent pressure on your spine, it might contribute to sciatica development. Moreover, a lifestyle that consists of prolonged sitting can also be extremely detrimental compared to a more active lifestyle.
When to Get Help from Professional
If you are experiencing severe symptoms of sciatica, it is always advisable to get help from a professional. These symptoms may be conditions such as sharp pain and weakness in the back, buttocks, and legs, coupled with bladder and bowel control impairment. Depending on how bad your situation is, the doctor may ask for tests such as a spinal X-ray, MRI, CT scan, Electromyography test, or a Myelogram.
Treatment of Sciatica Pain
Medication: There are loads of options when it comes to muscle-relaxing medicine. Your doctor may recommend cyclobenzaprine to relieve the pain due to muscle spasms. Tricyclic antidepressants and anti-seizure medication may also be prescribed to ease the pain.
Physical Therapy: The purpose of physical therapy is to identify appropriate movements and exercises that decrease stress on the sciatic nerve and diminish pain. Your therapist’s exercising plan should include stretching exercises to improve flexibility for pain-free movement in the future.
Surgery: When other kinds of sciatica pain treatment fail, the last resort is a surgical procedure. Even though it isn’t usually recommended due to the potential risks, it might be necessary in critical cases. A discectomy or laminectomy may take place, which is typically a two-hour procedure. The recovery time is variable between six weeks to three months and depends on your situation’s severity.
Final Words – Prevention
Even though it isn’t possible to prevent all kinds of sciatica, it is never a bad idea to take precautions to avoid potential complications. The steps you can take are as simple as keeping a good posture, exercising regularly, and maintaining an average weight. As a result, neither will you go out of shape, nor will you ever experience sciatica pain.
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