Back Pain Sciatica

Feeling lower back pain that runs down the leg and/or foot? It might be Sciatica.

Sciatica is the soreness radiating along the lower part of the back down to the back of one or both legs. This is a very common type of pain of the mentioned areas. Typically caused by either the compression or irritation of the Sciatic nerve (more commonly known as ruptured/herniated or slipped disc), Sciatica is actually a symptom rather than a diagnosis, contrary to what most believe.

Anatomy of the Sciatic Nerve

Considered as the single largest nerve in the body, it connects the spinal cord to the muscles of the legs and feet. The Sciatic nerve extends on both sides of the lower part of the spinal column, continuing through the buttocks part and hamstrings, and down the foot. Big as the regular thumb at its largest point, the Sciatic nerve is a combination of nerves formed at both sides of the spine. The fourth, fifth as well as the primal nerves of the sacral part of the spine group together on the piriformis muscle fond in the buttocks.

The Scaitic nerve branches into two – Peroneal and Tibial nerves. Traveling sideways, the Peroneal nerve is seen along the outer part of the knee until the foot’s upper part. Continuing downward the foot, the Tibial nerves cover the heel and sole.

The function of the Sciatic nerve is to bring about the nerve signals, or sensations to the leg. Aside from that, it is also responsible for the strength and reflexes of the legs. The nerve also serves as a connector of the spinal cord to the quadriceps, hamstrings, lower leg and the feet. Thus, disability of this nerve usually leads to muscle weakness in the leg or sensations such as tingling pain or numbness.

Sciatica occurrence

 Sciatica usually happens to people between the ages of 30-50, predominantly male although there are instances when women suffer this kind of pain. As age is a factor, the general wear and tear of the vertebrae is the most common springboard for this symptom. Young people’s bodies are thoroughly lubricated internally, especially in the spinal column, explaining the flexibility of most people in their youth. When people age, the lubricating liquid in the spinal area becomes lesser due to the movements it had experienced. The dehydration of the vertebrae causes the discs to rupture, releasing the gel-like substance providing the cushioning for the movements of the spine, preventing it from shock and damage. Once the substance bulges through the disc’s outer lining, it may cause the nerve root, or in this case, the Sciatic nerve to be subject to pressure – which causes pain. Furthermore, the nerve may experience irritation from the nucleus’ chemicals.

Treating Sciatica

Sciatica is dealt with by pain management rather than instant relief. Your physician may recommend bed rest to reduce the inflammation and may prescribe Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDS) to help alleviate the pain. Thought this may be comfortable, movement or exercise is needed to further reduce the inflammation of the nerve. After the treatment, you may resume normal activities and manage the pain, if recurrent. However, it should be noted that there could be another possibility of herniated discs in the near future. The recurrence happens to about 5% of former sufferers.