What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a type of nerve pain that originates from an injury or irritation to the sciatic nerve, which starts in your buttock/gluteal area. The pain radiates from the back into the hip and outer side of the leg. It can be described as sharp, shooting, burning, electric or stabbing.
What Causes Sciatica?
The most common cause of sciatica is
- A herniated or slipped disk that causes pressure on the nerve root
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Piriformis syndrome
- Pregnancy
Risk factors
- Age
- Diabetes
- Being overweight
- Wearing high heels
- Smoking
- Sleeping on a too soft or hard mattress
How Can Sciatica be Prevented?
Sciatica can be prevented by regular exercises, maintaining proper posture while sitting and avoiding heavy weight lifting.
How is Sciatica Treated?
- Most cases of sciatica resolve spontaneously over weeks to months
- Medication is used in some cases. Medications such as anti-inflammatory medications, narcotics, muscle relaxants and tricyclic antidepressants can provide effective sciatica pain relief
- In severe and refractory cases, decompression of the nerve root may be done surgically
- Self-care measures such as hot packs, cold packs and stretching can also help reduce pain.
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