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The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve made up of five nerve roots- two from the lumbar spine and three from the sacrum forming right and left sciatic nerve. Sciatica is referred to as the pain developed due to compression and irritation of sciatic nerves. The sciatic nerve radiates along the path from the lower back and buttocks down to each leg. The pain can vary from moderate to severe and weakness and numbness can be experienced in these areas that can cause muscle weakness and tingling. About 40 percent of people suffer from Sciatica at some point in their lives.
Seek medical attention if you notice the following signs :-
The doctor will examine your back and assess your ability to sit, stand, walk and lift your legs. If there is a reason to suspect that a specific condition is causing your back pain, your doctor might prescribe one or more tests :-
The doctor might order some imaging test and inquire about the patient’s medical history. MRI and CT scan allow the doctor to visualize the sciatic nerve and a discogram helps in determining the abnormalities in intervertebral discs.
It is advisable to treat Sciatica at the initial stages only to avoid the progression of symptoms.
Acute sciatic nerve conditions are generally treated by non-surgical methods. Non- surgical methods are a combination of physical therapy, medications and therapeutic injections that provides a cure in about 4 to 6 weeks.
Physical therapists and trained professionals formulate an effective treatment plan essential for treating Sciatica which includes exercises that provide relief from sciatic pain and increase core strength.
Medications are used to relieve sciatic pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticonvulsant medications, oral steroids, antidepressants and opioid analgesics are generally prescribed for pain-relieving.
Chiropractic and massage therapy are used to address the underlying cause of sciatic nerve pain that can be herniated discs or spinal stenosis. Massaging improves blood circulations induces the release of endorphins which acts as natural pain relievers. It relaxes the tight muscles that can be a contributing factor to pain.
Some common steroid injections and selective nerve blocks are administered for controlling the inflammatory response around the sciatic nerve. Selective nerve root blocks provide instant relief from the pain and inflammation in some cases.
Surgery is needed if the pain persists for a long duration even after trying several non-surgical treatments. Surgeries are performed in case of tumors, Cauda equina syndrome, bilateral Sciatica and infection in the pelvic region that cannot be cured by medications.
Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive approach used for treating Sciatica caused by a lumbar disc herniation. It is done by making small incisions and causing minimal damage to the surrounding tissues.
Laminectomy is performed to treat the Sciatica pain caused by lumbar spinal stenosis. In this, all part of the lamina is removed making more space for the spinal nerves. It provides relief from nerve root compressions and irritation.