Sciatica is a condition that causes pain that radiates from your lower back down the back of one or both legs. It is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the body. The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back through your buttocks and down the back of your legs to your feet. What is sciatica and how can you treat sciatica?
Symptoms of Sciatica
The most common symptom of sciatica is pain that radiates from your lower back down the back of one or both legs. The pain can be sharp, burning, or tingling. It can also be accompanied by numbness, weakness, and a feeling of heaviness in the leg.
Other symptoms of sciatica may include:
Back pain- Leg pain
- Foot pain
- Numbness or tingling in the leg
- Weakness in the leg
- Difficulty walking
- Causes of Sciatica
The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disk. A herniated disk is a condition that occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of a disk between your vertebrae bulges out and puts pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Other causes of sciatica include:
Spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Lumbar spinal stenosis
Degenerative disc disease
Piriformis syndrome
Tumors
Diagnosis of Sciatica
Your doctor will diagnose sciatica based on your symptoms and a physical examination. Your doctor may also order imaging tests, such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan, to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for Sciatica
The goal of treatment for sciatica is to relieve pain and improve function.
Treatment options for sciatica include:
Rest
Ice and heat therapy
Over-the-counter pain medication
Prescription pain medication
Physical therapy
Epidural steroid injections
Surgery
Rest
The first step in treating sciatica is to rest. This means avoiding activities that make your pain worse. You may need to stay in bed for a few days or weeks.
Ice and Heat Therapy
Applying ice or heat to the affected area can help to reduce pain and inflammation. You can use an ice pack or a heating pad. Apply the ice or heat for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to relieve pain. You can take these medications as directed on the label.
Prescription Pain Medication
If over-the-counter pain medication is not effective, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medication. These medications may have side effects, so be sure to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits before taking them.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles in your back and legs and improve your flexibility. Your physical therapist may teach you exercises to do at home.
Epidural Steroid Injections
Epidural steroid injections can help to reduce inflammation and pain. These injections are given by a doctor.
Surgery
Surgery is rarely needed to treat sciatica. However, surgery may be an option if you have severe pain that does not respond to other treatments.
Prevention of Sciatica
There are a few things you can do to help prevent sciatica, including:
Maintaining a healthy weight
Exercising regularly
Good posture
Avoiding activities that put stress on your back
Lifting with your legs, not your back
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