The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body and runs from the spinal cord, through the hip and buttock and down the length of each leg, according to MayoClinic.com. Sciatica is the name for pain that follows the path of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is not a disease independently, but rather the symptom for another condition that is exerting excess pressure, which causes a pinched nerve.
Causes
The most common causes of sciatica include a herniated disk, osteophytes, which are bone spurs, and spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spine that puts excess pressure on the sciatic nerve, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Piriformis syndrome, which is a condition in which the muscle at the lower spine becomes too tight, may also put pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause sciatica. Other possible causes include a tumor inside the spinal cord or between the spinal cord and vertebrae, trauma to the spine, or a tumor located directly on the sciatic nerve, according to MayoClinic.com.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of sciatica is pain that follows the path of the sciatic nerve from the spinal cord down the length of each leg. The pain usually occurs on one side of the body and ranges in severity from a mild ache to debilitating, sharp pain. Pain increases with sitting, standing, coughing and at night. Other symptoms may include numbness or weakness along the nerve path and tingling in the toes or part of the foot. A loss of bladder control or bowel control may also occur. This indicates a serious condition that requires emergency medical care, according to MayoClinic.com.
Treatment
Treatment for the symptoms associated with sciatica includes heat or ice where the pain is felt, over-the-counter pain medications and elevating the knees during sleep, according to Medline Plus. If this is not effective, pain medications may be injected directly into the site of pain. In order to relieve the pinched nerve that is causing sciatica, the underlying cause must be identified and treated. Treatment varies depending on the exact underlying cause. Physical therapy may also be combined with treatment. In cases of sciatica caused by a herniated disk, surgery is often needed, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library.
Complications
Although rare, possible complications due to permanent nerve damage can arise if sciatica is not treated. These complications include partial or complete loss of leg movement and partial or complete loss of sensation in the leg, according to MedlinePlus. Injury to the leg may also occur due to the loss of sensation.
Prevention
There are a number of techniques that can be used to aid in the prevention of developing sciatica. Maintain proper posture while sitting. MayoClinic.com recommends sitting in a chair with lower back support and keeping the knees and hips level. Exercising regularly can strengthen the muscles in the abdomen and also make it easier to maintain a good posture. When lifting heavy items, put most of the effort on the knees rather than the back.
