Symptoms associated with sciatica pain include low back pain shooting down to the foot, numbness, tingling in the leg, and general weakness due to inflammation of the Sciatic nerve according to the following article. Sometimes Sciatica may be cured through conservative management causing the patient to return to light exercises within two to three weeks. Exercises recommended for Sciatica are stretching exercises for strengthening the abdominal and back muscles. At times injections may be necessary. Injury to the Sciatic nerve may be due to Spinal Stenosis, herniated disc, tumor on the nerve, or fracture of the pelvis area. If the symptoms persist, and you have a fever, call a doctor immediately.

Sciatica Pain

Sciatica is a condition characterised by pain deep in the buttock often radiating down the back of the leg along the sciatic nerve.

 

Sciatica refers to the pain that begins in the lower part of the back and shoots down the back of the thigh and calf. It can be extremely intense and debilitating, and the pain may be accompanied by weakness, numbness and tingling in the leg. Most often, the pain is limited to one side of the body. Sciatica is a symptom that is caused when the sciatic nerve is injured or inflamed. While you have been trying to manage the symptoms you have experienced these last few months, it is important to understand and treat the cause.

 

Many times the sciatica will resolve itself with conservative management of the pain and no formal treatment is needed. In the early stages of sciatica, your doctor may recommend ice applied to the area during the first 48 to 72 hours, and then heat. Your choice of acetaminophen (Tylenol) is commonly used for pain management, or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) can be used as well. While reducing your activities during the first few days is common, the sooner you return to normal activities the better. Within two to three weeks, you can begin exercising again. Low impact exercises like water exercises and stationary bikes can keep you active.

 

The types of exercises used to manage sciatica often include those that will strengthen your abdominal muscles and improve the flexibility of the spine. You may want to discuss with the health care provider the types and pattern of stretching and strengthening exercises that will provide you the greatest benefit. A specialist in bones and joints, a chiropractor or a physical therapist may be great resources for you in identifying the underlying cause of the sciatica and designing appropriate exercise routines for you to use. On occasion, it may be helpful to have injections to reduce the inflammation around the nerve.

 

Injury to the sciatic nerve is caused by things that put pressure on the nerve. This can be the result of a slipped (herniated) disk, spinal stenosis, injury or fracture in the pelvis area or a tumor on the nerve. An imaging test, such as an MRI, or X-rays may be used to determine the cause of the sciatica. Spinal stenosis occurs when the openings (neural foramina) where the spinal nerves leave the spinal column narrow and create pressure on the spinal column. The narrowing of the opening occurs as we age. Arthritis in the spine also can contribute to spinal stenosis. Disks are cartilage pads that separate the bones in the spine and serve as shock absorbers, cushioning the disks during movement. If the disk is damaged, pressure can develop on the nerve.

 

If your symptoms worsen or if you develop an unexplained fever, redness or swelling on the back or spine, or the pain travels below the knee, call and see if he/she can see you earlier.

 

Sciatica does tend to recur. The exercises that may help ease the pain should be continued even after you get better. Along with staying active, continued stretching and strengthening exercises, try to avoid sitting or lying for prolonged periods of time since this puts pressure on your buttocks. Heavy lifting and twisting of the back should be avoided as well.

 

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In cases of sciatica, patients will feel low back pain radiating to the lower portion to the foot, tingling in the legs, and numbness associated with weakness. The reason for sciatica pain is extra pressure on the Sciatic nerve due to may be herniated disc, Spinal Stenosis, fracture in the pelvic region, or tumor on the Sciatic nerve. While conservative treatment may be effective in helping the patient to recover within two to three weeks, if the symptoms persist, it is advisable to seek medical assistance.
 
The types of exercises recommended for sciatica are stretching exercises for strengthening the back and abdominal muscles. Sciatica may recur when it is advisable to stay active and continue with light stretching exercises and avoiding improper posture while sitting, standing, or lifting. So behave yourself, and try to improve your back pain.

Sciatica is a frequent complaint commonly associated with a radiating pain down the leg. Dr. Scott Stoll of CoordinatedHealth.com explains the primary causes of sciatica and how the symptoms of sciatica affect your normal life. Find out what sciatica treatment options are best for you.

What causes sciatica? SciaticaSelfCare.com presents an explanation of the most common causes of sciatica.

Chiropractor Dr. Jack Adrian of ChiroCenter Chiropractic shares information about sciatic nerve pain, one of the most painful nerve conditions of all; often described as a “toothache in your leg”.