Sciatica is pain caused by problems in the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back, down the back of each leg to the feet. Sciatica pain is usually felt below the knee, which distinguishes it from back pain. In this report, we learn about factors that increase the risk of Sciatica and its symptoms, according to the Southern website
Sciatica may occur in people in their 30s and 40s as a result of strenuous physical activity such as sports or weight lifting, or in older people as a result of aging and spinal problems.
Causes of sciatica
The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body. It originates in the lower part of the spine, then branches into the pelvis, then travels through the buttocks, down the back of each leg.
Sciatic pain occurs when there is pressure on or damage to the sciatic nerve. The most common cause is a herniated disc. This happens when one of the soft, gel-filled discs between the vertebrae of the spine bulges or ruptures, compressing the sciatic nerve.
The vertebrae are the individual interlocking bones that make up the spine. Another cause of sciatica is spondylolisthesis, which is when a vertebra slips out of position, causing pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Muscle spasms can also cause sciatica by putting pressure on the sciatic nerve as it travels through the muscle. Less common causes of sciatica include infection, pelvic injury or fracture, and tumors.
In older age groups, sciatica may occur as a result of conditions caused by spinal degeneration, such as spinal stenosis. This is where the pathways through which the sciatic nerve travels become narrow, causing compression of the nerve.
Age-related bone growths (bone spurs) on the vertebrae can also put pressure on the sciatic nerve. While any injury or operation that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause sciatic pain, in many cases there may be no identifiable cause for the pain. Sciatica.
Factors that increase the likelihood of developing sciatica include:
- Getting older
- pregnancy period
- Diabetes, which increases the risk of nerve damage
- Weight gain, which increases pressure on the spine
- Smoking jobs that involve twisting the back or carrying heavy objects
Sciatica symptoms
Pain caused by sciatica can range from mild to very severe. It can occur suddenly or have a gradual onset. Sciatic pain is typically described as a cramp-like pain that can be burning or sharp in nature, and may be associated with sensations such as pins and needles, tingling, numbness, and weakness.
Sciatic pain is usually felt in the lower back and hip and radiates down the back of one leg. The feature that distinguishes sciatica from other types of back pain is that the pain travels down to the knee. The pain may be made worse by certain actions, such as sneezing, coughing, lifting objects, or sitting.
Sciatic pain and other symptoms are usually most severe in the early stages of the condition when compression and inflammation of the sciatic nerve is at its peak. It is common for the pain to gradually decrease until it disappears completely, usually within four to eight weeks.
Treatment for sciatica includes medications, complete rest, reduced effort, and Chinese acupuncture, and may sometimes require surgery.
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