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 Sciatica is a
relatively common form of back pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve.
The sciatic nerve is the largest single nerve in the human body; it runs
from each side of the lower spine through deep in the buttock and back of
the thigh, and all the way down to the foot, connecting the spinal cord
with the leg and foot muscles.
The pain can be severe for some, for others it is infrequent and
irritating, but has the potential to get worse. Sciatica usually affects
only one side of the lower body, often radiating from the lower back down
through the buttock and down the leg. The leg pain is often worse than the
pain in the back. Depending on which part of the sciatic nerve is affected,
the pain may also extend into the foot or toes.
The most common causes of sciatica are usually pressure on the sciatic
nerve from a herniated disc (also referred to as a ruptured disc, pinched
nerve, slipped disk, etc.) or spinal stenosis. The problem is often
diagnosed as a “radiculopathy”, meaning that a disc has
protruded from its normal position in the vertebral column and is putting
pressure on the radicular nerve (nerve root).
Symptoms
Any of the following sensations may occur with sciatica:
·
Pain in the buttock or leg that is worse
when sitting
·
Burning or tingling down the leg
·
Weakness, numbness or difficulty moving the
leg or foot
·
A constant pain on one side of the buttocks
·
A shooting pain that makes it difficult to
stand up
While sciatica can be very painful, it is rare that permanent nerve
damage (tissue damage) will result. Most of the pain results from
inflammation and will get better within two weeks to a few months. Also,
because the spinal cord is not present in the lower (lumbar) spine, a
herniated disc in this area of the anatomy does not present a danger of
paralysis.
Most cases of sciatica will get better with time and conservative care.
However, some sciatica symptoms may indicate a potentially serious injury
to the nerve:
·
If weakness is present, the nerve may be
damaged and it is important to seek attention from a health care
professional. If the nerve is compressed and the pain and symptoms are
severe, surgery may be warranted.
·
If there is bowel or bladder incontinence
(inability to control the bowel or bladder) and/or progressive weakness or
loss of sensation in the legs, the condition may be serious and immediate
medical attention should be sought.
Diagnosis
Sciatica is a symptom and not a diagnosis. The term literally means that a
patient has pain down the leg from compression on the sciatic nerve. The
diagnosis is what is causing the compression (such as a disc herniation or
spinal stenosis). The vast majority of sciatic episodes heal themselves
within 6 to 12 weeks. If it doesn’t get better on its own, various
treatment options can be considered.
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