Sciatica

Medical Service Name – Sciatica

Sciatica is pain that travels down the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back to the hips and buttocks then down each leg. Sciatica typically affects only one side of the body.

Sciatica most frequently results from a herniated disc, a bone spur on the spine, or a constriction of the spine (spinal stenosis). This causes discomfort, inflammation, and numbness in the affected leg.

Although sciatica pain can be agonizing, most cases of the condition resolve in a matter of weeks with non-surgical treatments. Patients with severe sciatica with considerable limb weakness or bowel or bladder abnormalities may be candidates for surgery.

Possible Causes

• Sciatica is most commonly caused by degeneration in the spine, such as herniated discs and bone spurs, due to age.
• Spondylolisthesis is the disarrayed placement of one vertebra with the one above it, limiting the aperture through which the nerve leaves. The stretched spinal bone can pinch the sciatic nerve.
• In aged spines, bone spurs (jagged edges of bone) can occur and pressure lower back nerves.
• A lumbar spine or sciatic nerve damage is a type of traumatic injury.
• The sciatic nerve is compressed by tumours in the lumbar spinal canal.

Risk Factor

You’re likely to suffer sciatica if you:

• Have a recent or past injury: Sciatica is more prevalent if you have a lower back or spine injury.
• Live your life:The natural wear and tear of bone tissue and discs in your spine occurs as you age. As you mature, the changes and motions in your bone, discs, and ligaments may put your nerves at risk of being injured or pinched.
• Obese:Your spine functions similarly to a vertical crane. The counterweights are your muscles. Your spine (crane) has to raise the weight you carry in the front of your body. Your muscle fibers (counterweights) have to work harder when you gain weight. Back strains, pains, and other issues might develop as a result of this.
• A weak core:The muscles in your back and abdomen make up your “core.” If your core is stronger, your lower back will be better supported.
• Lack of good posture in the gym:Even if you are physically healthy and active, you might get sciatica if you don’t use proper body form when lifting weights or doing other strength-training activities.
• Have osteoarthritis:Osteoarthritis may wreak havoc on your spine and put your nerves in jeopardy.
• Indulge in sedentary behaviour:Sciatica can be increased by sitting for lengthy periods of time and without exercising to keep your muscles active, flexible, and toned.
• Smoke:Tobacco contains nicotine, which can harm spinal tissue and weaken bones.

Sign & Symptoms

The discomfort might range from a little ache to a scorching feeling or terrible agony. At times, it may feel like a jolt or electric shock. Coughing or sneezing can aggravate symptoms, and sitting for an extended period of time might worsen them. Only one side of the body is usually affected. It’s also normal to experience numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot.

Diagnosis

Mild sciatica typically goes away on its own. You can consult 7DMC, if self-care approaches do not ease your symptoms, or if your pain lasts more than a week., is intense, or worsens over time. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, get immediate medical attention:

You have acute pain in your low back or leg, as well as numbness or muscular weakness in your leg. The pain that follows a traumatic injury, such as a car collision, is excruciating. Or you are having difficulty regulating your bowels or bladder.

Treatment Options at 7DMC

Our clinic is fortunate about its state-of-the-art chiropractic healthcare facilities. Our patients tell us that the high quality of their interactions, our meticulous attention to detail, and the speed with which their sessions are done provide them with health care unlike anything else they’ve ever had.

We recommend regular exercise to patients suffering from sciatica, and paying attention to the core muscles, that can aid in the maintenance of a strong back. These are the middle and lower back muscles required for proper posture and alignment.

We also advise you to sit in good posture. Choose a seat with a swivel base, armrests, and adequate lower back support. Consider putting a cushion or a wrapped towel on the floor.

Clinical evidence firmly supports therapeutic intervention programmes, which involve a thorough physical examination and assessment, exercises, as well as spine and extremities manipulation and mobilisation.