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Elmer United Methodist Church
21 South Main Street,
PO Box 375,  Elmer, NJ  08318 
Phone:  856-358-0135      Fax:  856-358-9295

Email:  ElmerUMC@ElmerUMC.org
 

 

                                           
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Last Updated
01-01-09

 

 

 

Parish Nursing

HEALTHCARE Ministries
SCIATICA

(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.

                  
Bonnie Kanady, RN