The Cause Of Sciatica Leg Pain
Having chronic pain is something that many suffer with on a daily basis. It can be difficult to determine what is causing the pain and what to do about the pain. Suffering with sciatica leg pain can affect a person's daily life and routine.
What Is Sciatica Leg Pain?
The sciatica nerve is one of largest nerves in the entire body. Its job is to relay information to the brain in regards to how the leg is moving. This information courses through the nerve to the brain. All of this information is then processed in the brain at lightening speed to evaluate what the body is doing.
The sciatica nerve itself is located at the base of the spine, from there it then runs down past the hip joint and down the back of the thigh. The sciatica nerve can become damaged when there is a compression in the vertebrae of the spine. If there is a disc problem where the normal cushions between the vertebrae are compromised, then the sciatica nerve can become caught and pressed on.
This will then result in sciatica leg pain, or numbness in the legs. There are several other conditions that can also result in sciatica leg pain and these include spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis both conditions can cause the sciatica nerve to become irritated and then cause sciatica leg pain.
A person with this condition will feel pain, numbness or weakness in the legs as a result of the pressure put on sciatica nerve. Sometimes specific movements will cause even more pain, something as simple as coughing can jolt the sciatica nerve causing sciatica leg pain.
If this condition is suspected, often anti-inflammatory medications may be used to help with the inflammation surrounding the sciatica nerve. A doctor will perform a complete history and evaluation of the condition and then may suggest or prescribe anti-inflammatory medications. Sometimes steroids are prescribed as they are a very strong anti-inflammatory medication. Rest is another measure that should be taken in order to help recover from sciatica leg pain.
Physical therapy may be another recommendation after the pain is in control. It is important to get moving again after having problems with sciatica nerve. Most patients recover with no need for surgery, but in some instances it may be necessary to remove a ruptured disk or find out what is pressing on the nerve.
If sciatica leg pain is a problem, consult with a physician to determine the best course of action for your symptoms.
