Sciatica makes itself known when pain travels down the leg, spreading all the way to the foot, and the body sends us a clear sign that something is not right. Sciatica is not just pain, it is an warning that the nerves of our spine are under heavy strain and at risk. If we ignore it, it can lead to numbness, difficulty walking and muscle weakness. To keep that from happening, it is important to know all of the symptoms, how long treatment lasts, and we also reveal a strategy for overcoming this challenge.
Sciatica or ischialgia occurs due to irritation of the sciatic nerve that is under pressure. It is enough for one of the five spinal roots of the sciatic nerve to become pinched for symptoms to appear. Pain is the initial symptom and usually first appears in the lower back. It can spread to the buttock or parts of the legs, including the feet. The path of the pain actually follows the path of the sciatic nerve, which begins in the lower back and runs down the back of the leg, all the way to the sole. The pain can intensify even with the smallest exertion, such as the one caused by sneezing or laughing.
In short, sciatica occurs when, for various reasons, the outer wall of the disc ruptures and therefore begins to press on the corresponding spinal nerve. In most cases sciatica is caused by a herniated disc that develops due to damage to the spinal disc, but there are other causes of the condition as well. Among them, the following stand out:
Sciatica most often affects people who sit for long periods and do not move much, which is also frequently accompanied by obesity that is likewise a risk factor. Excess weight, just like the state of pregnancy, leads to additional pressure on the nerves, which also increases the risk of pain.
With the aging of the spine, which begins to a greater degree at 25-30 years of age, degenerative changes occur, so it becomes more prone to injuries that can affect the nerve. Diabetes, stress, smoking and wearing high heels also increase the risk of nerve damage.
The pain that occurs due to sciatica generally appears suddenly. It is present in the lower back, and sometimes spreads down one leg and is accompanied by numbness. It is usually felt after a sudden movement, prolonged sitting or lifting a heavier load. If you stretch the leg, the sciatic nerve is stretched further, which can lead to stronger pain. In addition to pain in the lower back (lumbago), the following may occur:
The symptoms are most often partial in character, so the pain or numbness is not felt along the whole length of the leg. The sensation appears only in one zone, for example in the calf or thigh of the leg.
Sciatica usually lasts about four to six weeks when it comes to acute pain. However, around 30% of those affected still feel certain symptoms of the condition even after a year. In most cases it is a chronic condition, when sciatica is very difficult to cure. Chronic pain is milder than acute pain, but it can last for the rest of one's life. It is assumed that chronic sciatica develops due to certain risk factors such as the sudden lifting of heavy things, physical inactivity, smoking and a chronic herniated disc.
If the pain does not go away for more than a week or it intensifies, you must schedule an examination with a doctor. Treatment will also be needed if you have problems with the bowels or bladder, or if the pain occurred after an injury. An orthopedist, physiatrist, physiotherapist or neurologist can be of help to you... For the purpose of diagnosis, an X-ray (RTG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a spinal scan (CT), electromyoneurography (EMNG) and myelography are used.
It should nonetheless be kept in mind that some degenerative changes in the spinal column in older people can cause pain and limited movement. These symptoms resemble the symptoms of sciatica, but in fact they are other conditions. On the other hand, it happens that a person has pain in the hip or knee and associates it with those parts of the body, without even suspecting that it originates from sciatica. That is why a physiatric examination is important, at which it will be precisely determined where the pain originates from. After the examination, the physiotherapist can show you exercises to strengthen and stretch the tense muscles or suggest another, appropriate therapy.
The treatment methods that have proven to be the most effective are:
Treatment methods usually improve circulation, reduce muscle tension and ease the inflammatory process. Chiropractic stands out in particular. In chiropractic, various mobilization and manipulation techniques are used, in which small joints are manually returned to their original position. This reduces the pressure on the nerve root, so various symptoms diminish and subside.
Some studies have shown that massage has given remarkable results in the recovery process, even when other treatment methods had no effect. Therapeutic massages that target the deep layers of the muscles are particularly recommended.
Spinal decompression, i.e. special tables for stretching the spine, also stands out as an extremely effective treatment method. In this way the spine is relieved, regardless of whether it concerns the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine. If the problem is more serious and the symptoms do not go away, more serious treatment is necessary. Surgical procedures are performed only in cases where there is long-lasting chronic lumbar pain that has not stopped after the application of conservative therapy.
The first step in treating sciatica usually involves the use of medications that relieve or eliminate pain. With the same goal, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used, such as aspirin, diclofenac, naproxen or ibuprofen. A doctor may also prescribe muscle relaxants, and sometimes antidepressants, such as bromazepam, in order to ease muscle tension. In certain cases, corticosteroids are used, as well as cocktail injections.
Although it is important for a doctor to establish the diagnosis, in milder cases sciatica does not require a visit to the doctor. Careful stretching, gentle exercise and rest can help the recovery process pass as quickly as possible. Still, avoid walking uphill, so as not to put additional strain on the lower part of the spine. Shorter regular walks, in keeping with your condition, will be enough to start with.
Cold or warm compresses can soothe the painful spot. First use cold compresses for no longer than 15-20 min. a day, several times during the day. Only after a few days should you switch to warm compresses. A hot water bottle can also serve you for this purpose. It is recommended to take plenty of vitamins, especially B1, B6 and B12.
Older generations surely remember how lard was traditionally used as a remedy for sciatica. Today we have various gels and ointments that contain ibuprofen and successfully calm the pain. You can easily obtain them in almost any pharmacy. Also, instead of compresses you can use cold and warm gels, just make sure that in the first period you definitely use a cold gel. A warm gel can only be used once the inflammation has passed.
Medications, creams and gels can relieve pain, but they cannot remove the real cause of sciatica. Even when it heals, if you lift heavy things and have a herniated disc, sciatica will return. That is why it is most important to change bad habits and pay attention to prevention. Avoid prolonged sitting and lying down in order to reduce the pressure on the lower back and the buttock. Strengthen the abdominal and back muscles through physical activity, but adapt the pace to your abilities, age and condition. When lifting a load, be sure to bend at the knees and let the thigh muscles and leg muscles carry the load. Pay attention to your body weight and swim in your free time.
Practice has shown that exercises are one of the most effective ways to treat sciatica. It is extremely important not to do them on your own, but to have an individual exercise plan that is created by a physiotherapist and aligned with your health condition. It is important that the exercises are neither strenuous nor painful for you. Otherwise, the effect of the exercises can have a negative impact on your health. Below are three extremely effective, yet simple exercises, which are often found in our exercise programs. They lead to stretching of the muscles, which frees them of tension. If you already feel pain, you should not perform the exercises without consulting a physiotherapist.
Many years of practice in treating sciatica have shown that this condition is very difficult to cure permanently. The later it is detected, the greater the likelihood that it will develop again. That is why do not neglect the symptoms, because if exercises and other treatment methods are applied in time, recovery is far faster and easier.
If you need chiropractic and spinal decompression with the help of which you will cure sciatica, we are waiting for you at our center in Dorcol. Get in touch with us via the contact form or call us at the phone number 0601343303 and schedule a free examination.
When it comes to assessing the length of recovery, our team will determine and provide the necessary guidelines toward the fastest and best possible recovery. Still not sure? You are just one click away from a free consultation.
Call now to schedule 060/134-3303
Related services: for sciatica and back pain we recommend kinesitherapy, tecar therapy and electrotherapy. To book an appointment schedule an examination.
