What is Sciatica
Pain resulting from irritation of the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the body begins from nerve roots in the spinal cord and runs through the buttock area down one or both legs from the lower back to the lower limb. It's usually caused when a herniated disc or bone spur in the spine presses on the nerve.
Indication of sciatica
Pain that extends from your bottom (lumbar) spine to your butt and down the back of your leg is an indication of sciatica. You observe the discomfort virtually anywhere through the nerve pathway, but it's most likely to follow a path from your low back to your butt and the back of your thigh and calf.
The pain can differ widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or acute pain. Occasionally it can feel like a jolt or electric shock. It can be unpleasant when you cough or sneeze, and extended sitting can irk symptoms. Usually, only one side of your body is affected.
Some people also have numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot. You might have pain in one part of your leg and numbness in another part.
Several spinal disorders can cause sciatic nerve compression. The most common are:
Bulging or herniated disc
Lumbar spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Trauma that can result in spinal cord injuries
Piriformis Syndrome
Spinal tumor
90% of sciatica is the result of a herniated disc in the lumbar spine.
Risk Factors for Sciatica
The presence of certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing sciatica. A few examples include:
Smoking
Mental health issues, such as depression
Tall height in older age groups (50 to 60 years)
Obesity and excess weight
Genetic susceptibility
Vitamin B 12 deficiency
Physical deconditioning from a sedentary, inactive lifestyle
Certain types of occupation (such as truck drivers, carpenters, or machine operators)
Poor work ergonomics
Loss of bladder or bowel control
These factors collaborate with an individual’s age and general health may play a role in causing sciatica to develop.
Diagnosed.
First, your healthcare provider may be asked to walk on your toes or heels, rise from a squatting position, and while lying on your back, lift your legs one at a time. Pain that results from sciatica will usually worsen during these activities.
How to prevent sciatica.
Prevention is better than cure.
Walking, swimming, Pilates, and yoga. In particular, do core exercises to reduce the chances of developing a herniated disk.
Learn and practice proper lifting techniques.
Maintain good posture when sitting.
Do not smoke.
Learn stretches to Relieve sciatica
Sitting spinal stretch
Reclining pigeon stretch
Back flexion stretch
Hamstring stretch
Sciatica Stretch
Knee to the opposite shoulder.
Yoga for Sciatica
Balasana
Ardha Chandrasana
Bhujangasana
Salabhasana
Pawanmuktasana
Supta Kapotasana
Setup Bandha Sarvangasana
Ardha Matsyendrasana
Viparita Karani
Medication
Doctors might prescribe muscle relaxers, pain relievers, oral steroids, or anticonvulsants. Corticosteroid medications are injected into an area called the epidural space which is the canal that surrounds your spinal cord. Because of side effects, these are given on a limited basis. Surgery may be needed for severe pain.
Remedy
Walking during sciatica is one of the first therapeutic exercises.
Regular walking with multiple short walks every day.
Gentle stretching.
Short walks and gentle stretching followed by ice.
The pace should be conversational.
Good posture is a must during sitting and standing
Avoid sitting on soft chairs and couches.
Apply heat or cold packs alternately to your lower back.
Very good information thankyou
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