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Sciatica Causes, Symptons, and How to Combat It!

by Wayne Wargo (PenWay.org)

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in our body. The nerve starts at the back of the pelvis and runs downward through the hip area and buttocks into each leg. Sciatica is pain along the sciatic nerve. It usually results from compression of nerve roots in the lower back.

Sciatica is not a single disorder, but rather a diverse range of symptoms, such as numbness or pain from the lower back to the feet, radiating leg pain, or difficulty in controlling the leg. It is often caused by compression, or pinching, of any of the five nerve roots that combine to make up the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica, as defined by Wikipedia, is a set of symptoms rather than a diagnosis for what is irritating the root of the sciatic nerve, causing pain. The lower back, legs, feet and buttocks may all be affected.

The most common symptom of true sciatica is posterior thigh, lower leg or foot pain that can be much worse than the accompanying lower back pain.

The sciatic nerve is formed by the nerve roots emanating from the spinal cord and extending into the lower back (lumbar) region. Branches of the sciatic nerve extend through the buttocks and down the back of each leg to the ankle and foot. The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in the body - at the point where it arises in the lower spine, it is as thick as one of your fingers.

A patient may suffer from muscle weakness, numbness and tingling, and difficulty in controlling the legs. While sciatica is very common, it is caused by problems of the spine such as stenosis or herniated disk. Sciatica is worse at night. A weakened disc may herniate (bulge out). If the bulge pushes up against the sciatic nerve or crushes it, sciatica occurs. Another common cause is spinal stenosis or a narrowing of the canal through which the nerve travels. Sitting or driving for a long period can produce sciatic pain. Exertion, obesity, and poor posture can all cause pressure on the sciatic nerve. It is estimated that about 40% of the population experiences sciatica during their lifetime. Sciatica occurs most frequently in people between the ages of 30 and 50 years old.

There are now different types of treatments for an injured sciatic nerve, such as laser surgery, physical therapy and chiropractic manual manipulation. Alternative treatments for sciatic pain that may be helpful include practicing appropriate yoga postures, acupressure, trigger point therapy, Ayurvedic medicine and diet improvement.

The key to prevention of sciatica is to avoid any damage to your lower spine. Stretching and strengthening exercises that target the muscles of the lower back, abdomen, and thighs can help reduce the symptoms of sciatica. Sciatica is usually corrected without surgery in 95% of patients within 1 to 12 months. Milder forms can often be treated with cold and heat treatments. Anti-inflammatory over-the-counter products such as Advil and Aleve can help with pain due to sciatica.

It is possible that persons may require prescription medications or have to undergo physical therapy in order to control sciatica's painful effects. Surgery or injection therapy may be necessary in some cases. Magnetic Resonance neurography (MRN) is capable of generating a detailed image of virtually any nerve in the body. MRN can accurately image the sciatic nerve, and also shows that medical experts can diagnose and treat sciatic pain that is not caused by a herniated or damaged disc.

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