Sciatica

Sciatica is a painful nerve condition that can cause extreme discomfort and even disability. It results from a pinched or irritated sciatic nerve, which is a long nerve that runs from the lower back to the buttocks and legs.

Unfortunately, it’s a very misunderstood condition. Sciatica is not a medical diagnosis in itself; it’s a set of symptoms caused by an underlying condition affecting the sciatic nerve. Sciatica can result from various conditions and is one of the most common types of pain people experience. In fact, around 40 percent of people will experience sciatica pain at some point in their life.

Fortunately, with appropriate treatment, it is possible to reduce or even eliminate the pain associated with sciatica and treat the underlying condition.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is associated with the compression of the sciatic nerve root in the lower spine. This is known as sciatic nerve root entrapment, which can cause severe pain and may limit a person’s ability to move or perform daily activities. Diagnosis of sciatica can be based on the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI, which help diagnose the underlying condition.

Sciatic Nerve Anatomy

The sciatic nerve is the longest, thickest nerve in the body. It starts at the base of the spine and runs through the pelvis down through the buttocks, where it then splits into two branches that go down to the lower legs. The sciatic nerve is a mixed nerve, carrying both motor and sensory information.

When there is pressure or entrapment of a nerve root along the sciatic nerve, this can cause pain to radiate along the length of the nerve. This pain is commonly described as stabbing, burning, or even electric-like.

Risk Factors for Sciatica

There are several risk factors that can contribute to the conditions causing sciatica. These include:

Age

Age is one of the most common risk factors for sciatica. As you age, your spine becomes more prone to injury and wear. This occurs because your spine’s ability to heal diminishes, making it more likely to suffer from degenerative changes. Additionally, age is a common risk factor for conditions like degenerative disk disease and osteoarthritis, both of which can lead to sciatica.

Obesity

Obesity is another significant risk factor for sciatica. Being overweight strains your spine by adding extra pressure on the vertebrae and disks. This can lead to conditions such as herniated disks and spondylolisthesis, both of which can cause sciatica.

Poor Posture

Poor posture can also increase your risk of sciatica. It places extra strain on the spine and can lead to conditions like herniated disks and spinal stenosis, both of which are potential causes of sciatica.

Occupation

Certain occupations can increase your risk of sciatica. Jobs that require heavy lifting, twisting, or other movements that strain the spine can lead to conditions like herniated disks and degenerative disk disease, both of which may cause sciatica. For instance, occupations such as construction and warehouse work are more likely to result in sciatica.

How Diagnosis Works

When diagnosing sciatica, a doctor typically begins by taking a medical history from the patient and performing a physical exam. The doctor will conduct the “straight leg raise test” as part of the exam. This involves the patient lying on their back and lifting their legs straight to see if it causes pain. Additionally, the doctor may inspect the back for signs of weakness or tenderness and check reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation in the affected area.

The doctor may also order imaging tests such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. These imaging tests help identify any underlying conditions that may be causing the sciatica pain. Once a diagnosis is made, the doctor will create a treatment plan based on the severity of the condition and its underlying cause.

Efficiently Address Your Pain At The Earliest Opportunity

The prognosis of sciatica hinges on its root cause. If a herniated disk is behind it, the outlook is generally positive, as the disk may naturally reposition itself over time. However, if a degenerative condition like spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis is the culprit, the condition may persist long-term and necessitate ongoing care. Yet, with prompt diagnosis and proper treatment, sciatica can often be effectively managed with minimal disruption to daily life.

Sciatica can temporarily disable you, robbing you of days of productivity and joy. Thankfully, relying solely on medications or fearing surgery are no longer your only choices.

At NextPain Care, our focus is on beginning with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and medication management to effectively address your sciatica with minimal invasiveness.