Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Common symptoms of sciatica include:

• A sharp, burning, or shooting pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down the back of the leg.
• Some people experience numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation in the leg or foot.
• Muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot.
•  Pain that worsens with movement, making it hard to stand up, walk, or sit down.

Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is pinched, which can happen due to:

• A disk in the spine slips out of place and presses on the nerve.
•  Overgrowths of bone on the vertebrae can compress the nerve.
•  Narrowing of the spine that puts pressure on the nerves.
•  When the piriformis muscle in the buttocks irritates the sciatic nerve.
• Trauma to the lower back or sciatic nerve.

When to See a Physiotherapist

Consider seeing a physiotherapist if you experience:

• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week.
• Severe pain that prevents normal activities.
• Pain, numbness, or weakness in the leg.
• Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel movements, which may indicate a serious condition called cauda equina syndrome.

Risks of Untreated Sciatica

Factors that increase the risk of developing sciatica include:

• Age-related changes in the spine, such as herniated disks and bone spurs.
• Jobs that require heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, or twisting.
• Excess body weight increases stress on the spine.
• Higher risk of nerve damage.

How to Prevent from Sciatica

Preventing sciatica involves lifestyle changes and proper body mechanics:

•  Strengthen the muscles of your back and core.
• Use proper posture when sitting, standing, and lifting.
•  Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the spine.
• Use ergonomic furniture and equipment, especially if you have a desk job.

Treatments Options for Sciatica

Treatments for sciatica can range from self-care and physical therapy to medical interventions:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers, hot and cold packs, and gentle stretching exercises.
•  Tailored exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and correct posture.
• Prescription medications such as anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and in severe cases, steroid injections.
• In cases where conservative treatments fail and symptoms are severe, surgery might be necessary to remove the portion of the disk or bone spur pressing on the nerve.