Sciatic pain, also referred to as sciatica, is a symptom of an underlying disorder that pinches or irritates the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body. This nerve runs from the lower spinal cord down the back of both legs to the feet. Because sciatic pain can have many potential causes, the treatment and prognosis may vary.
Symptoms
The classic symptom defining sciatica is a shooting pain that travels from the lower back through the buttocks and down the back of one or both legs. In some individuals with sciatica, the pain is accompanied by a tingling sensation, muscle weakness or numbness. The pain may be acute, coming on suddenly, or may be a chronic condition. Sciatic pain sometimes gets worse when the person stands or sits for long periods of time. It may also get worse at night or when bending backwards, sneezing, coughing or laughing.
Causes
One common cause of sciatica is a condition called piriformis syndrome, a disorder in which the narrow piriformis muscle becomes tight or begins to spasm periodically. Spinal cord injury or disease, such as a slipped disc, spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease, is a potential cause of sciatic pain. Another possibility is a tumor of the spinal cord or of the sciatic nerve itself. Pelvic injuries or fractures also sometimes lead to sciatica. In some cases, the cause of sciatic pain remains undetermined.
Diagnosis
In order to determine the cause of sciatic pain, a doctor will take a patient's medical history and may order a variety of tests, according to Drugs.com. The specific tests given will depend on what cause the doctor suspects based on the description of symptoms and the results of a physical examination. Common tests used to diagnose sciatica include blood tests; urine tests; imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans; a spinal tap; and nerve conduction tests.
Treatment
Treatment for sciatic pain typically begins with home care remedies while the doctor investigates the cause. According to MayoClinic.com, the application of ice is recommended for the first 48 to 72 hours and heat is applied after this initial period. Other home remedies for sciatic pain include stretching exercises and over-the-counter pain relief. Depending on the reason for the pain, the doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections or surgery to fix the underlying issue.
Prevention
Individuals who have had sciatia may have recurrences, so protecting the sciatic nerve is important for preventing future pain. Regular exercise, especially core exercises and stretching, can help prevent sciatica. Sitting up straight and avoiding long periods of sitting may also help. When lifting heavy objects, avoid bending at the waist. Instead, bend the knees and lift using the legs.
