Condition Basics What is sciatica? Sciatica is pain, tingling, or numbness produced by an irritation of the nerve roots that lead to the sciatic nerve
What causes it? The most common cause of sciatica is a bulging or ruptured disc (herniated disc (Figure 1) ) in the spine. The disc can irritate or press against the nerve roots that lead to the sciatic nerve. But sciatica also can be a symptom of other conditions that affect the spine. These can include the narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis (Figure 2) ), bone spurs (small, bony growths that form along joints) caused by arthritis pinched nerve (Figure 3) ) caused by injury. In rare cases, sciatica can also be caused by conditions that do not involve the spine, such as tumours or pregnancy.
What are the symptoms? Symptoms of sciatica include pain that begins in your back or buttock and moves down your leg and may move into your foot. Weakness, tingling, or numbness in the leg may also occur.
Sitting, standing for a long time, and movements that cause the spine to flex (such as knee-to-chest exercises) may make symptoms worse. Walking, lying down, and movements that extend the spine (such as press-ups (Figure 4) ) may relieve symptoms. How is it diagnosed? Sciatica is diagnosed with a medical history and physical exam. Sometimes X-rays magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
How is sciatica treated? In many cases, sciatica will improve and go away with time. Initial treatment usually focuses on medicines and exercises to relieve pain. You can help relieve pain by:
Avoiding sitting (unless it is more comfortable than standing). Alternating lying down with short walks (Figure 5) . Increase your walking distance as you are able to without pain. Using a heating pad on a low or medium setting for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 or 3 hours. Try a warm shower in place of one session with the heating pad. You can also buy single-use heat wraps that last up to 8 hours. You can also try an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. There is not strong evidence that either heat or ice will help, but you can try them to see if they help you. Ask your doctor if you can take over-the-counter pain medicine. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Additional treatment for sciatica depends on what is causing the nerve irritation. If your symptoms do not improve, your doctor may suggest physiotherapy
Figure 1 - Herniated Disc The bones (vertebrae) that form the spine (backbone) are cushioned by small, round, flat discs. When these discs are damaged from an injury, normal wear and tear, or disease, they may bulge abnormally or break open. This is called a herniated or slipped disc.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffClinical Review Board
Figure 2 - Spinal Stenosis: Lumbar When the spinal canal in the low back becomes narrower (stenosis), the nerve roots get squeezed.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffClinical Review Board
Figure 3 - Herniated disc and pinched nerve The bones (vertebrae) that form the spine (backbone) are cushioned by small, round, flat discs. When these discs are damaged from an injury, normal wear and tear, or disease, they may bulge or break open. This is called a herniated or slipped disc.
If the herniated disc irritates or presses on a nerve root (pinched nerve), it may cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the area of the body to which the nerve travels.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffClinical Review Board
Figure 4 - Press-up back extensions Lie on your stomach, with your face down. Keep your elbows tucked into your sides under your shoulders. Press your elbows down into the floor to raise your upper back. As you do this, relax your stomach muscles and allow your back to arch without using your back muscles. Let your low back relax completely as you arch up. Don't let your hips or pelvis come off the floor. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Then relax, and return to the start position. Repeat 2 to 4 times. Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffClinical Review Board
Figure 5 - Walking Practice good posture as you walk. Stand up straight. Leaning forward or backward as you walk can put strain on your back. Keep your head up and your eyes forward. Shrug your shoulders every once in a while and then relax them. This will remind you not to tense your shoulders as you walk. Start out slowly. Choose an area that's level and clear of things that might make you trip. Over time, increase how far and how long you walk. If it hurts to walk or doesn't feel right, talk to your doctor.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffClinical Review Board
