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(Summarized from
Mayo Clinic info)
The term “sciatica” refers to pain that radiates along the path of the
sciatic nerve from the lumbar spine down your buttock and hip area and
down the back of your thigh and calf. Sciatica is a symptom of another
problem involving the nerve, such as a herniated disk. The pain can
vary from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating
discomfort. It may feel like a jolt or electric shock. It may be worse
when you cough or sneeze, or if you sit too long. You may have numbness
or muscle weakness in your leg or foot, or tingling in your toes. You
may have loss of bladder or bowel control, which requires emergency
treatment.
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It controls many of
the muscles in your lower legs and provides feeling to your thighs, legs
and feet. Sciatica occurs when a nerve root is compressed in your lower
spine, often as a result of a herniated disk in your lower back. Disks
are pads of cartilage that separate the bones in your spine and act as
shock absorbers when you move. As you grow older, the disks may start to
deteriorate, becoming drier, flatter, and more brittle. The jelly-like
substance in the disk’s center seeps out and it becomes herniated or
ruptures. This then may press on a nerve root. Other conditions that
can put pressure on your sciatic nerve include: lumbar spinal
stenosis - when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the
spinal cord and nerve roots. Spondylolisthesis - when one
vertebrae slips slightly forward over another vertebra and pinches the
nerve. Piriformis Syndrome - when the piriformis muscle becomes
tight and goes into spasms, putting pressure on the sciatic
nerve. Spinal tumors compress the cord or nerve roots and
Trauma such as a car accident, fall, or a blow to the spine.
To help protect your back there are a few things you can do such as
maintain proper posture & exercise regularly. If you sit a lot at work
you need to take breaks and walk around. Use good body mechanics when
you lift heavy objects, and especially don’t twist your back. Choose a
mattress that feels comfortable to you. Don’t use a pillow that forces
your neck up at an angle.
For most people, sciatica responds well to self-care measures. You may
rest for a day and then resume usual activities. Inactivity will make
the symptoms worse. You can try cold packs initially then hot packs.
Stretching exercises help relieve nerve root compression. Don’t jerk,
bounce, or twist. Water exercise or a stationary bike will help you stay
active. Over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen can
be helpful. Massage is helpful
for
low back pain. Your doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory
medication along with a muscle relaxant, a narcotic, or
antidepressants. You may need Epidural steroid injections to suppress
inflammation around the irritated nerve. They have side effects so you
will get no more than three a year. If the compressed nerve causes
significant weakness, bowel or bladder incontinence, or if you have
pain that doesn’t improve with other therapies, you may need surgery.
Surgeons can remove a portion of the herniated disk that is pressing on
the nerve. Yours will explain your best options.
“For you are bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body,
and in your spirit, which are God’s.” I
Corinthians 6:19, 20.
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