Understanding Sciatica

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg.

Common Symptoms

• Sharp, burning pain in the lower back and leg
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Weakness in the affected leg
• Pain that worsens when sitting
• Hip pain

Causes

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes pinched or irritated. Common causes include:

• Herniated or slipped disk
• Bone spurs on the spine
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine)
• Piriformis syndrome
• Pregnancy
• Injury or trauma

Risk Factors

• Age (30-50 years most common)
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Diabetes
• Occupations requiring heavy lifting

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider may perform:

• Physical examination
• Straight-leg raise test
• Imaging tests (MRI, CT scan)
• Nerve conduction studies

Treatment Options

Conservative Treatment

• Physical therapy
• Gentle stretching exercises
• Over-the-counter pain medications
• Hot/cold therapy

Medical Interventions

• Prescription medications
• Steroid injections
• Surgery (in severe cases)

Prevention

• Maintain good posture
• Exercise regularly
• Practice proper lifting techniques
• Maintain a healthy weight

When to Seek Medical Care

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Severe pain
• Loss of bladder/bowel control
• Progressive weakness
• Pain lasting longer than a week

Recovery and Outlook

Most cases improve within 4-6 weeks with proper treatment and self-care measures.