Pain Getting On Your Last Nerve? Is It Sciatica?
The dictionary definition of sciatica is simple: sciatica is the compression or irritation of a branch of the sciatic nerve, resulting in sciatica, or pain.
What Nerve Causes Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve, causing sciatica, is the largest nerve in the human body. No wonder we experience disorders like sciatica and feel pain when this sciatica prone nerve is harmed!
Generally speaking, the nerve starts between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebra of the spine and extends downward, wrapping around the thigh, extending to the lower part of the buttock, then running down the back of the thigh, behind the knee, and into the calf muscles and to the feet. Although sciatica patients may experience pain anywhere along the nerve, sciatica usually manifests itself as pain extending from the buttock into the back of one or both legs.
What Are The Causes Of Pressure And Sciatica On The Nerve?
Pressure on the sciatic nerve can be caused by a variety of factors. The nerve may be compressed by spinal stenosis, or a naturally occurring narrowing in the opening of the spine. Another cause of sciatica is spinal disc degeneration or herniation, where the cushioning material in a spinal disc leaks out, causing the bone to rub against itself. The spine gets out of alignment, causing pressure on the nerve that causes sciatica.
It is important for doctors to take a complete history from the patient to try to pinpoint the cause of the patient's sciatica. Diagnostic tests such as MRIs and CT scans are also helpful in diagnosing sciatica.
How Is Sciatica Treated?
Sciatica caused by spinal stenosis and spinal disc herniation or degeneration is usually treated with surgery. No surgeon can promise a 100% successful outcome, so patients should get a second opinion and thoroughly consider the implications or surgery before they agree to treat sciatica with surgery.
Sciatica will usually eventually resolve itself with time and rest. Patients who can get complete bed rest will usually notice relief within a few days as the sciatica and sciatic nerve have a chance to heal.
Patients with chronic pain who elect not to have surgery may wish to explore a variety of options for pain management. Some patients find relief by using medical marijuana, in areas where the treatment is permitted by state law. Other patients manage their pain with other alternative therapies, such as diet, exercise, herbal remedies, acupuncture, or hypnotherapy.
