Sciatica symptoms, causes and cures

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a severe pain in the leg caused by compression, irritation, or inflammation of the Sciatic nerve. The Sciatic nerves are the largest and longest nerves in the body. Each sciatic nerve is made up of five smaller nerves that leave the spinal cord from the lower spinal column, join together and then travel down the back of each leg. It then divides into smaller nerves that travel to the thigh, knee, calf, ankle, foot and toes. When these nerves are irritated or affected by the inflammation of nearby soft tissues, we refer to this as sciatica.

Symptoms of Sciatica
People with sciatica can suffer from a wide range of symptoms. It usually begins as an acute pain in the lower back and then extends down the back of either leg. The pain usually worsens with long periods of sitting or standing.

Often the pain will come and go. Some feel only a dull ache or numbness, which travels down the back into the upper leg. For others, it may be intense “shooting pains” down the leg into the foot and toes. Back pain may occur before the sciatica itself. In the most severe cases, sciatica can damage reflexes, or even cause a wasting of the calf muscles.
Causes of Sciatica
Because the sciatic nerve is so long, irritation can occur at many points:

• The first place is the Lower back. Commonly, a misalignment of one or more of the lumbar vertebra causing pressure on the nerve is responsible. This condition is known as a spinal joint dysfunction (Subluxation).
• Another source of sciatica can be Intervertebral disc (IVD) involvement. IVD’s are the cartilage-like cushions occupying the spaces between vertebrae. Serving as spinal shock absorbers, they allow the back to turn and bend. Trauma or injury can cause a disc to bulge to one side resulting in what many people call a “slipped disc.” The proper term is Disc herniation. The main causes of sciatica are often the result of cumulative damage. Years of bad posture, poor muscle tone, excess weight or countless other causes set the stage. Then, something simple like bending over to tie your shoes can trigger an episode.
• The sciatic nerve runs through a muscle in the buttocks region called the Piriformis. When the muscle shortens or spasms due to trauma or overuse it can compress the sciatic nerve. This is known as Piriformis Syndrome.
• Degeneration of the spine resulting from long-standing or neglected back problems can also irritate the sciatic nerve. As well as IVD thinning, which puts pressure on the sciatic nerve roots, arthritic bone spurs can intrude into the space normally reserved for the nerve.
• Sciatica has also been linked to various Non-spinal conditions. Advanced diabetes, tumors, constipation, and even vitamin deficiencies have been reported as causes.

Can we cure sciatica?
Actually, we don’t cure anything! Only your body can do that! At Back Pain Centre Sunderland our approach to treating sciatica is to find the source of the irritation and relieve the pressure causing the pain. Sciatica often respond dramatically well to the restoration of normal spinal function through spinal adjustments, massage therapy and rehabilitation stretches and exercises. Your practitioner’s treatment methods will vary according to the specific source of the sciatica and the severity of the condition. Your practitioner is an expert in the spine so stick to the treatment schedule and advice prescribed, to get out of pain as quickly and safely as possible.

Remember Pain is your body’s natural warning signal– Do not ignore it.

The information provided is for general guidance only and must not be used for diagnosis or treatment of a health problem. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.