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Affecting millions among the American population, sciatica can
be characterized within a range of minor irritation to a severe, disabling
complication. Despite how frequently its diagnosed and treated, there’s an
assortment of information about the condition that many individuals do not yet
understand and its often a topic of confusion among the general population.
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First of all, sciatica can best be described as a group of
symptoms from an injury or an underlying medical condition rather than a
singular disorder. The term is used to specify symptoms of pain, tingling and
numbness sensations, or weakness that often originates on the lower back and
radiates through the sciatic nerve found in either leg.
Also, when it comes to sciatica, the common injuries or
underlying conditions causing the symptoms differ greatly based on age. Adults
under the age of 60 frequently develop sciatica as a result of a lower back, or
lumbar, herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, and isthmic
spondylolisthesis. Adults over the age of 60 frequently develop sciatica as a
result of degenerative changes, such as lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative
spondylolisthesis. Occasionally, pregnancy, or injuries such as muscle strains
and bone fractures, which may create scar tissue, can also begin to develop
sciatica symptoms.
In addition, the initial location of the nerve compression
can affect the overall symptoms of sciatica as well as create new ones. Five
nerve roots found on the low back region connect to form the large sciatic
nerve. Symptoms can generally be defined by which of these five nerve roots
becomes compressed or irritated. For example, numbness on the feet is common
when the nerve root near the L5 vertebra in the lumbar region is pinched. Then,
it’s also possible to experience multiple symptoms. Various nerve roots can
become compressed at the same time, causing a combination of symptoms, such as
pain or a tingling sensation on the outside area of the foot while simultaneously
causing stiffness on the leg.
When seeking treatment, an individual’s source of their
sciatica symptoms can help determine the appropriate care plan in order to
relieve pain and discomfort. A chiropractor for example, will diagnose an
individual for any injuries or underlying conditions that could be causing
their sciatica symptoms as well as determine the location of the nerve
impingement to recommend a proper set of stretches and exercises. The specific
exercises can vary depending on the location of the nerve damage or injury.
Certain symptoms of sciatica may require immediate medical attention. It is
rare for sciatica symptoms to require immediate surgery but if an individual
experiences worsening neurological symptoms that begin to affect both legs, if
there is bladder or bowel incontinence, or if symptoms occur directly after
trauma from an accident, its essential for the individual to seek immediate
medical attention.
Sciatica is also known as lumbar radiculopathy or may often
be referred to as pinched or compressed nerve pain. Many individuals may find
these terms confusing when they are used interchangeably but these refer to the
same diagnosis. Furthermore, sciatica is a frequent term used to describe a
variety of symptoms on the legs, however, leg pain may not always be due to
sciatica. A piriformis muscle complication or a sacroiliac joint issue can also
cause pain and discomfort that travels down the leg similar to sciatica.
A majority of individuals whom experience sciatica can
achieve relief from their symptoms within 6 to 12 weeks without relying on
surgery. In fact, studies have shown that the long-term results of surgery and
non-surgical treatments are similar. Faster pain relief may occur through
surgery but, after a year, both surgical and non-surgical approaches produce identical
outcomes. Throughout an individual’s treatment for sciatica, the application of
ice and/or heat therapy, gentle stretching, and low-impact exercises, such as
walking, can help ease sciatic nerve pain during the process of rehabilitation.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
