If the sciatic nerve, which runs from your back to your feet is irritated or compressed, you may develop a range of symptoms. These symptoms can be mild or severe. You may have pain in your lower back that radiates into your hips or legs, numbness and weakness in your legs and feet, and even an inability to control bladder and bowel movements. To help manage your symptoms, you first need to be aware of the common causes of sciatica. You can then work with your doctor to find the best course of treatment.
Bulging and Herniated Discs
Disc problems are the leading cause of sciatica, states the Mayo Clinic. In-between the vertebra in your spine are round jelly-filled discs that help to cushion the spine. If due to an injury or accident a disc moves out of place and bulges, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve. If your injury is severe enough, the outer layer of the disc can rupture (herniate) and the jelly-like center can leak out, compressing and irritating the sciatic nerve. Disc injuries can be the result of trauma such as a car accident or a fall, or they can occur by bending, twisting or lifting the wrong way. If your injury does not cause severe symptoms, your doctor may want to try conservative treatment approaches to see if the disc will heal on its own. If your pain or loss of function is significant, surgery may be needed to remove the disc.
Arthritis Related Changes
Your spinal column experiences changes due to age and normal wear and tear. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states that with age, the discs lose fluid, which narrows the space in-between each vertebra. This reduces the space that the sciatic nerve travels through, which can cause irritation. As the discs wear away, the vertebra may begin to rub against one another and form bone spurs, which can also press on the sciatic nerve. There are many arthritis-related changes that can occur in the spine such as osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, stenosis and others. Your doctor can take X-rays and MRI's to help determine the extent of the arthritis in your spine. While you may not be able to prevent arthritis, maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular exercise may help to lessen the severity of any back conditions you have.
Piriformis Syndrome
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, piriformis syndrome is a muscular condition that can cause the symptoms of sciatica. This muscle, which is located in your buttocks helps to move your leg and hip. This muscle can tighten and/or become narrow, compressing the sciatic nerve. Piriformis syndrome can occur with no known cause, or it can be the result of an accident. With this condition, your sciatica symptoms may become worse when you sit for long periods or try to do repetitive bending motions such as climbing stairs or riding a bike. A gentle stretching program along with anti-inflammatory medications can help to relieve your symptoms.
