Sciatica is a serious medical condition that results in pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling in the leg or foot. Sciatica may be treated by general practitioners or through a visit to your chiropractor. As a chiropractor, I prefer to use a gentle and safe spinal adjustment technique (similar to an OT) known as “mobilization of the spine”, which can usually reduce symptoms very quickly and easily.
Sciatica is frequently mistaken for regular back discomfort. Sciatica, though, is not only a back issue. The longest and broadest nerve in the human body is the sciatic nerve. It originates in the lower back and extends through the buttocks, down the legs, and finally to the knee.
The skin of the foot and much of the lower leg get sensation from this nerve, which also controls a number of lower leg muscles. Sciatica is a sign of another issue that affects the sciatic nerve rather than a true medical illness. According to some experts, up to 40% of people will at some point throughout their lives have sciatica.
What does Sciatica Pain Feel Like?
Sciatica pain is one of the most common types of chronic pain that affects millions of people around the world. It is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back and down through your legs. Sciatica pain can range from mild to severe and can feel like a dull ache, burning sensation, tingling sensation, or sharp shooting pains in the lower back and/or legs. In some cases, it can even cause numbness in the affected areas. If you are experiencing any type of sciatica pain, it is important to seek medical attention right away so that you can get an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible.
Based on the reason for the pain, various people will describe sciatica pain. Some individuals report the pain as piercing, shooting, or jolting. The pain has also been described as “burning,” “electric,” or “stabbing” by others.
The discomfort might be ongoing or intermittent. Additionally, your leg often experiences greater discomfort than your lower back does. Long durations of sitting or standing, getting up, and twisting your upper body may make the discomfort feel worse. The discomfort might also get greater if you make a rapid, forceful movement like coughing or sneezing.
What are the Symptoms of Sciatica?
Sciatica signs and symptoms include:
- Mild to severe discomfort running down your leg, buttock, and lower back.
- Weakness or numbness in your legs, foot, buttocks, or lower back.
- Loss of mobility and pain that gets worse with movement.
- The sensation of “pins and needles” in your feet, toes, or legs.
- A loss of bladder and bowel control
Best Sciatica Pain Treatment with Physical Therapy
During your initial Physiotherapy in Surrey visit, our therapist will examine your medical history, and lifestyle habits, and ask you questions regarding your sciatica experience. They could enquire as to the date that your sciatica symptoms began if an injury or other particular circumstance led to them, as well as how active you were before the onset of your low back and leg discomfort.
The Surrey therapist also notices you moving. This portion of the test gives our therapist a baseline evaluation of your condition and how sciatica impacts your physical functioning capacity to carry out everyday tasks.
Then, using what they’ve learned from your exam, our physical therapist creates a structured PT program for you.
What are the risk factors for sciatica?
Sciatica is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including an injury or infection in the lower back. It’s common for people to experience sciatica at some point in their lives, but most manage it by practicing good posture and taking over-the-counter pain medications. As of 2008, there is no circumstance where one is 100% immune to sciatica. There are several things you can do to minimize your chances of developing sciatica however, including keeping your back strong and healthy and avoiding certain activities like heavy lifting and running.
You are more likely to get sciatica if you:
- Previous or current injuries: Lower back or spine injuries increase your risk for sciatica.
- Enjoy life: As you age, your spine’s bone tissue and discs naturally deteriorate. With normal aging, changes and movements in bones, discs, and ligaments might put your nerves in danger of being hurt or pinched.
- You’re obese: Your spine resembles a vertical crane. Your muscles act as a counterbalance. Your spine’s (crane’s) job is to raise the weight you bear at the front of your body. Your back muscles (counterweights) have to work harder the more weight you are carrying. Back sprains, aches, and other back problems may result from this.
- Have a weak core: Your back and stomach muscles make up your “core.” Your lower back will have greater support the stronger your core is. Your muscles are the sole thing holding up your lower back, as opposed to your rib cage, which supports the area around your chest.
How Can Sciatica be Prevented?
Some causes of sciatica, such as degenerative disc disease, pregnancy-related sciatica, or unintentional falls, may not be avoidable. Even if it might not always be able to stop sciatica, taking the following precautions might help safeguard your back and lower your risk:
- Keep a straight spine: Maintaining a straight spine while sitting, standing, lifting weights, and resting relieves strain on your lower back. Pain may serve as a preliminary indicator that your alignment needs work. Adjust your posture if you start to feel stiff or painful.
- Quit smoking since it lowers the blood flow to your bones. It creates difficulties with the back and spine by weakening the spine and the vertebral discs, which in turn puts a greater strain on them.
- Keep a healthy weight: Being overweight and eating poorly are linked to pain and inflammation all over your body.
- Regular exercise will helps you to keep your joints flexible and strengthens your core, which is made up of the muscles in your lower back and abdomen.
- Select exercises that are least likely to cause back pain. Think about engaging in low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, yoga, or tai chi.
- Protect yourself from falls by wearing the proper footwear and keeping walkways and stairs clear of obstructions. This will lower your risk of falling.
Conclusion
Sciatica is a painful condition caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. If you have sciatica, you can have weakness or numbness in your legs, buttocks, or back in addition to moderate to severe pain. You may be able to control your discomfort by applying hot and cold compresses, stretching, taking over-the-counter painkillers, and engaging in regular exercise.
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