Sciatica – more than just a pain in the a#$e!
What is it?
Sciatica is pain in the back of the thigh and leg caused by chemical (inflammation) or mechanical (compression) irritation of the sciatic nerve or nerve roots.
Symptoms of sciatica:
Pain in the back or side of the thigh, lower leg and foot often described as; band-like, linear, electric shooting pain. This is also called radicular pain. It is also common to experience numbness, tingling, muscle fasciculation (involuntary twitching of muscles), and possibly weakness of the muscles that are supplied by the sciatic nerve.
You do not have to have lower back pain when suffering with sciatica, but most people will experience some lower back discomfort during an episode of sciatica. Sciatica is massively over diagnosed though. For instance, if you are experiencing localised lower back pain with an occasional sharp twinge into your buttocks, this is not sciatica.
Why me!?
The sciatic nerve is formed from nerve roots from spinal segments L4 – S3. When these nerve roots leave the spine, they pass in close proximity to the discs and spinal joints. It is far more common for an individual nerve root to become irritated rather than the sciatic nerve itself.
The most common cause is a posterolateral disc bulge (backwards and to the side) in the lower part of your back causing direct compression or irritation of one or more spinal nerve roots. In this scenario you will be more likely to experience band-like pain across the lower back in addition to the leg symptoms.
Other common causes of sciatica are facet joint hypertrophy (which can occur with age related changes), and more rarely, piriformis syndrome. For a full examination and diagnosis of what is causing your sciatic pain you would be well advised to consult a trained medical professional, such as an osteopath.
How long will it last?
No two bouts of sciatica are exactly the same, but on average sciatica commonly lasts between 6-12 weeks (often much longer if a disc is compressing the nerve root). Most people with sciatica often suffer with future episodes of sciatic nerve pain. This of course varies between individuals and can be decreased with effective care. Sciatica is managed very well with conservative treatment such as osteopathy. Additionally, your GP will be able to help provide some pain relief.
Occasionally surgery is needed but a period of modified activity and conservative treatment is always recommended and beneficial for most.
Self-management:
In terms of self-management, good advice would be to limit activities that increase discomfort (e.g. sitting), stay mobile as becoming very sedentary will not help, try using ice or heat for up to 15 minutes at a time – making sure that you don’t apply anything too hot or use ice straight on the skin (I tend to recommend ice with sciatica, but some people feel more benefit with heat).
Lastly, as mentioned before, think about seeing a regulated professional like an osteopath as they will be able to diagnose, explain and conservatively treat your problem.
Chris Brooks
07811 388557
sussexosteo@gmail.com
www.sussexosteo.com
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