What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a general term for any pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body that begins at the lower back and runs down one or both legs. It controls several muscles in the lower legs and provides sensation to the lower legs and the feet.
The most common symptoms of sciatica are lower back pain that shoots through the hip all the way down one leg. It generally only affects one leg, not both. The leg may feel numb, weak, or tingly. Ultimately, it can feel like a bad leg cramp that persists for an extended period of time.
Most people will experience back pain during life, and sciatica is often confused for such. Back pain caused by overextending or muscle strains is generally limited to the lower back. Sciatica, however, is not limited to the back. Pain from sciatica can be felt in your back, hips, buttocks, and legs.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica occurs when something injures or places pressure on the sciatic nerve. The most common cause is when a herniated disk or bone spur in your spine puts pressure on your sciatic nerve. Other causes may include degenerative arthritis of the spine, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, infections, injuries, and in rare cases, spinal tumors.
Sciatica generally occurs in people between the ages of 30 and 50. Those that work in professions that require lifting heavy loads regularly or people who sit for long periods of time are more likely to be affected. Pregnant women are also more likely to be affected, as the developing uterus may put pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica Prognosis
The onset of sciatica is usually sudden and can be acute or chronic. An acute episode can last from a few days to a few weeks, whereas a chronic sciatica can last for extended periods of time. For acute sciatica, it is common to continue to feel tingly sensations even after the pain has subsided.
To Ease Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica is easily treatable, and up to 90% of people with sciatica recover without surgery.
The best thing to do when experiencing a sciatic episode is rest. However, be sure not to rest too much, as extended periods of inactivity may actually make the symptoms worse.
For temporary relief from acute symptoms, apply hot or cold packs on the affected area. Over-the-counter medication, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, may be helpful to reduce inflammation, swelling, and alleviate pain. Exercise and light stretching may also help to alleviate pain.
If those methods do not work and your symptoms get worse, consider Dr. Ho’s 2-in-1 Back Decompression Belt. It is a clinical grade traction and decompression belt that is endorsed by medical professionals and regularly used in both lower and upper back pain treatment. It can help with many things, such as decompression of lower back joints and spinal disks, stretching and relief of lower back tension, and stabilization of the lower back.
If symptoms persist for longer than eight weeks, however, it is recommended to see a doctor. An X-ray or MRI may be necessary to identify what is causing pressure on the sciatic nerve to effectively treat it.
