What is Sciatica and How does it affect you and How to Treat?

Sciatica is frequently mistaken for regular back discomfort. Sciatica, though, is not only a back issue. The longest and broadest nerve in the human body is the sciatic nerve. It originates in the lower back and extends through the buttocks, down the legs, and finally to the knee.

The skin of the foot and much of the lower leg get sensation from this nerve, which also controls a number of lower leg muscles. Sciatica is a sign of another issue that affects the sciatic nerve rather than a true medical illness. According to some experts, up to 40% of people will at some point throughout their lives have sciatica.

What does Sciatica Pain Feel Like?

Based on the reason of the pain, various people will describe sciatica pain. Some individuals report the pain as being piercing, shooting, or jolting. The pain has also been described as "burning," "electric," or "stabbing" by others.

The discomfort might be ongoing or intermittent. Additionally, your leg often experiences greater discomfort than your lower back does. Long durations of sitting or standing, getting up, and twisting your upper body may make the discomfort feel worse. The discomfort might also get greater if you make a rapid, forceful movement like coughing or sneezing.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Sciatica signs and symptoms include:

• Mild to severe discomfort running down your leg, buttock, and lower back.

• Weakness or numbness in your legs, foot, buttocks, or lower back.

• Loss of mobility and pain that gets worse with movement.

• The sensation of "pins and needles" in your feet, toes, or legs.

• A loss of bladder and bowel control

Best Sciatica Pain Treatment with Physical Therapy

During your initial Physiotherapy in Surrey visit, our therapist will examine your medical history, lifestyle habits, and ask you questions regarding your sciatica experience. They could enquire as to the date that your sciatica symptoms began, if an injury or other particular circumstance led to them, as well as how active you were before to the onset of your low back and leg discomfort.

Your range of motion, posture, reflexes, and ability to move may then be assessed by our physical therapist by having you complete a series of easy motions. You can be instructed to flex forward at the waist, stretch backward, twist at the waist, or bend side to side.

The Surrey therapist also notices you moving. This portion of the test gives our therapist a baseline evaluation of your condition and how sciatica impacts your physical functioning capacity to carry out everyday tasks.

Then, using what they've learnt from your exam, our physical therapist creates a structured PT programme for you. Your active and passive therapy plan is created with attainable objectives in mind. Your therapy regimen may be changed to incorporate various stretches and exercises as your back and leg pain lessens and becomes more tolerable.

What are the risk factors for sciatica?

You are more likely to get sciatica if you:

•Previous or current injuries: Lower back or spine injuries increase your risk for sciatica.

•Enjoy life: As you age, your spine's bone tissue and discs naturally deteriorate. With normal ageing, changes and movements in bone, discs, and ligaments might put your nerves at danger of being hurt or pinched.

•You're obese: Your spine resembles a vertical crane. Your muscles act as a counterbalance. Your spine's (crane's) job is to raise the weight you bear at the front of your body. Your back muscles (counterweights) have to work harder the more weight you are carrying. Back sprains, aches, and other back problems may result from this.

•Have a weak core: Your back and stomach muscles make up your "core." Your lower back will have greater support the stronger your core is. Your muscles are the sole thing holding up your lower back, as opposed to your rib cage, which supports the area around your chest.

Can Sciatica be prevented?

Some causes of sciatica, such degenerative disc disease, pregnancy-related sciatica, or unintentional falls, may not be avoidable. Even if it might not always be able to stop sciatica, taking the following precautions might help safeguard your back and lower your risk:

•Keep a straight spine: Maintaining a straight spine while sitting, standing, lifting weights, and resting relieves strain on your lower back. Pain may serve as a preliminary indicator that your alignment needs work. Adjust your posture if you start to feel stiff or painful.

•Quit smoking since it lowers the blood flow to your bones. It creates difficulties with the back and spine by weakening the spine and the vertebral discs, which in turn puts greater strain on them.

•Keep a healthy weight: Being overweight and eating poorly are linked to pain and inflammation all over your body.

•Regular exercise helps to keep your joints flexible and strengthens your core, which is made up of the muscles in your lower back and abdomen.

•Select exercises that are least likely to cause back pain: Think about engaging in low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, yoga, or tai chi.

•Protect yourself from falls by wearing the proper footwear and keeping walkways and stairs clear of obstructions. This will lower your risk of falling.

Conclusion

Sciatica is a painful condition caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. If you have sciatica, you can have weakness or numbness in your legs, buttocks, or back in addition to moderate to severe pain. You may be able to control your discomfort by applying hot and cold compresses, stretching, taking over-the-counter painkillers, and engaging in regular exercise.