Sciatica can be a very uncomfortable experience for many individuals. Characterized as a series of symptoms rather than a single condition, sciatica is a common type of pain affecting the sciatic nerve, the largest single nerve in the human body extending from the lower back through deep in the buttock and down into the back of each leg. It’s been reported that the immense and debilitating pain in the back and legs from sciatica can make going through your regular day difficult.
Identifying Sciatica
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Fortunately for many individuals experiencing sciatica
symptoms, there are numerous remedies to treat it, however, in order to begin
treatment, its essential to first diagnose the possible causes behind their
sciatica. Properly identifying the source of your symptoms is the best way to
manage this lower back complication and its symptoms.
Herniated Disc
One of the most common causes of sciatica is a herniated disc.
Spinal discs are made of a soft, gel-like substance that forms the nucleus with
a hard, tire-like outer wall surrounding the nucleus. A direct injury to the
spine or wear and tear from repeated movement over time can often cause the
spinal disc to rupture, protruding through the outer wall. This gel then exerts
strain or may compress the sciatic nerve, leading to irritation and
inflammation that eventually develops into sciatica.
Lumbar Stenosis
Lumbar stenosis is also a known cause for sciatica. Most
commonly caused by age-related changes in the body, lumbar stenosis is a
condition where the spinal canal gradually degenerates over time, narrowing
down where it eventually begins to compress the spinal nerves. These compressed
nerves can be section of the sciatic nerve which can result in sciatica.
Piriformis Muscle
The piriformis muscle
found on the buttocks region could also be another source for the development
of sciatica symptoms. This important muscle is responsible for providing movement
to the hip joints, but if the piriformis muscle becomes too tight, it can
irritate the sciatic nerve, a condition known as piriformis syndrome. The
piriformis can in turn apply unwanted pressure on the sciatic nerve, leading to
sciatica.
Spondylolysthesis
Spondylolysthesis is also a frequent cause for sciatica. In
this situation, a single vertebra slides above the other adjacent vertebra. The
slipping of a vertebra above the other can compress the sciatic nerve, causing
pain and discomfort that eventually creates sciatica symptoms. Its important to
note that if for individuals experiencing sciatica, the source of their pain is
due to spondylolisthesis, the legs may be the most affected. Individuals with
this condition generally suffer from tremendous pain on their legs.
Injury
In some cases, people may experience sciatica as a result of
physical trauma. Certain incidents can leave the body in a state of shock,
creating an abrupt irritation on the sciatic nerve. Some individuals suffer
from sciatica as a result of accidents or injuries caused due to specific
sports, such as football and rugby.
Spinal Tumors
In rare circumstances, spinal tumors may also develop
sciatica symptoms. Malignant or not, the altered growth of these kinds of
tumors, especially in the lumbar regions of the spine, result in the firmness
of the sciatic nerve, most commonly causing pain and other symptoms associated
with sciatica.
These are only several of the most common factors behind
sciatica. Nevertheless, the presence of any of the above conditions or injuries
do not necessarily suggest the development of sciatica symptoms. However, if
you are experiencing any painful symptoms and suspect a possible underlying
condition or injury may be causing your discomfort, its crucial for you to seek
a proper diagnosis for sciatica and follow through with an appropriate
treatment regimen.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez