Low back sciatica: Facts and Myths

What is lower back sciatica? What is lower back sciatica? The phrase sciatica describes the symptoms of leg pain and possibly tingling, numbness or weakness that travels from the low back through the buttock and along the large sciatic nerve in the back of the leg. The scientific analysis of sciatica is referred to as a "radiculopathy", which means merely that a disc has protruded from its usual position in the vertebral column and is placing pressure on the radicular nerve in the lower back, which creates part of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is created by the nerve roots coming out of the spinal cord into the lower back.

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body, nearly the diameter of a finger. An essential point to realize is that sciatica is a symptom of a trouble -- of something squeezing or annoying the nerve roots that comprises the sciatic nerve. Sciatica occurs most normally in people among 30 and 50 years of age. It tends to grow as a outcome of common wear and tear on the structures of the lower spine.

Most sciatica pain syndromes result from inflammation and will get better within two weeks to a hardly any months. Also, because the spinal cord is not present in the lower (lumbar) spine, a herniated disc in this part of the anatomy does not present a chance of paralysis.

# Progressive weakness in the leg
# Bladder/bowel incontinence or dysfunction

Often there is not a precise traumatic outcome or action coupled with the onset of sciatica. Standing, sitting, heavy lifting, sneezing, or having a bowel movement may aggravate the pain. Lying down is commonly the most relaxed position. Occasionally parenthesis, weakness and diminished bowel or bladder function will accompany sciatica, but these are occasional symptoms. Sciatica causes pain, burning feeling, numbness, or stinging radiating from the lower back and upper buttock down the back of the thigh to the back of the leg. Severe sciatica can make walking difficult if not intolerable. Sometimes the symptoms of sciatica are aggravated by walking or bending at the waist and relieved by lying down.

True sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is pinched or annoyed and the pain down the sciatic nerve is produced by this nerve (radicular pain) and is called a radiculopathy. When the pain is referred to the leg from a joint problem (called referred pain), using the term sciatica is not technically correct. Nerve root tension tests can be used to confirm the presence of sciatica by attempting to repeat the soreness with certain actions and body positions. These tests are carried out by a doctor and include moving the legs in several ways that slightly extend the sciatic nerve. Physical therapy and a home program of extending and strengthening exercises are very functional in letting a patient to return to full activity.

The lifetime occurrence of low back pain is 50-70%, and 5-10% of patients with low back pain have sciatica. For the first few days it is vitally significant to stay off your feet as much as possible. The worst thing you can do is get up and down frequently as this causes the nerve to develop into more aggravated. Although soaking in warm baths relieve and reduce the pain, do not use heating pads at first while the nerve is inflamed. Extended heat depicts the irritation in, keeping the swelling high. Most doctors tell their patients to apply ice packs directly on the lower back part for about twenty minutes at a time, every couple of hours. Although this can sense like torment, the cold pack helps lessen swelling. Mineral ice is also great at calming the pain and offering temporary relief. There are some different treatments available that you might find supportive. Acupressure and acupuncture, herbal therapies, homeopathy and biofeedback and guided imagery are just a few.

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What is lower back sciatica? What is lower back sciatica? The phrase sciatica describes the symptoms of leg pain and possibly tingling, numbness or weakness that travels from the low back through the buttock and along the large sciatic nerve in the back of

If you'd like to learn more about Sciatica medication please logon to Back pain sciatic nerve website or Low back pain sciatica.

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