What is sciatica?
Almost all of us know someone, or have suffered ourselves with sciatica. So what is sciatica and what can be done about it?
Sciatica refers to the irritation of the large nerve that runs down the leg. It is sometimes referred to as radicular pain or a radiculopathy. This irritation can cause pain, numbness, tingling and/or pins and needles in the leg; many people also experience back pain alongside their sciatic pain. It can be very painful and if your case is particularly bad you may notice weakness in the leg and some people also find that they are unable stand up straight and lean to one side.
The 3 main causes of sciatica:
1. "Slipped disc": when people say they have a slipped disc what they usually mean is that part of the disc is bulging out and pressing on the nerve. This is the most common cause of sciatica, in fact many of us may have bulging discs without realising it as they are not always symptomatic.
2. Spinal stenosis: where the space where the spinal cord and nerves pass through narrows and puts pressure on the cord/nerves. This usually occurs in people over the age of 50.
3. Spondylolisthesis: spondylo = spine and listhesis = slip. This refers to when a vertebrae slips out of place. It may have been that way since birth or acquired with age or through trauma. The amount of slip is graded on a scale of 1-5, treatment varies according to the severity of the slip.
A health care professional will perform a series of tests to determine whether you have true sciatica and what the cause is. However the most effective way to find out the cause is to have an MRI.
Treatments:
Treatment may vary depending on the cause of your sciatica but most commonly involves a prescribed stretching and exercise program alongside spinal mobilisation/manipulation and massage.
Pain killers and/or anti-inflammatory medications are also beneficial due to the severity of the pain and will help you to keep moving. Ice can also be used on the low back to ease symptoms.
BEFORE: Patient unable to straighten back due to sciatica.
AFTER: Following 2 chiropractic treatments
When to seek urgent help:
While sciatica is common, there is a rare but serious condition that can be mistaken for sciatica. If you can the following symptoms please seek urgent care:
Numbness around your genitals and buttocks
Loss of bladder and/or bowel control
Sciatica in both of your legs