The sciatic nerve begins at the nerve roots that lead out of the spinal cord into the lower back, then extend through the bottom and the back of both legs, ankles, and feet. Sciatic nerve pain, or simply "sciatica" occurs when these nerve roots become irritated, which causes weakness and a nearly constant numb, tingly, or painful feeling that starts in the buttocks or lower back and eventually spreads through the entire stretch of the nerve, although generally only on one side.
Sciatic Nerve Pain Causes
Damage to the spine, whether through internal or external causes, results in sciatic nerve pain. A ruptured, or "herniated," disk is the most common cause, as the bulging of the disk presses against the roots at the beginning of the sciatic nerve. Spinal stenosis (when the spinal cord narrows) is another condition that results in sciatica, along with the little growths of bone (called bone spurs) that sometimes form in joints troubled by arthritis. Injuries that result in a pinched nerve, or "nerve root compression," may also lead to sciatica. Very rarely, problems not directly related to the spine, like tumors, diabetes, or pregnancy that put nearly constant strain on the back, may also cause this uncomfortable condition.
Sciatic Nerve Pain Diagnosis
If you've noticed pain or numbness in your buttocks, legs, or feet, especially following a back injury or in tandem with known causes of sciatica, a visit to the doctor is essential to begin a regimen for managing the sciatic nerve pain. Doctors perform a physical exam and go through the patient's medical history, checking for symptoms and injuries or previous complaints connected to sciatic nerve pain. If sciatica is suspected, radiographs or an MRI may be recommended. Although sciatica can be diagnosed based on symptoms without these tests, they are crucial to pinpointing the location and cause of the pain and therefore developing a proper treatment plan.
Sciatic Nerve Pain Treatment
Sciatic nerve pain often gets better over time, especially when paired with specific exercises and medications to alleviate symptoms until it has run its course. Sitting for long periods of time can make the pain worse, but it may still be better than standing up. Lying down generally provides the most relief for your body, especially when combined with short and gentle walks to strengthen and loosen up the body. As the pain decreases, the walks can become longer. Some people find that using a heating pad for a few minutes on a low setting or taking a warm bath or shower will relax the muscles around the sciatic nerve. Others find a cold pack for short periods of time works better for them. Each case of sciatica is different, and will require different treatment methods.
An over the counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), such as naproxen or ibuprofen, may be sufficient to alleviate the pain when symptoms are moderate and do not constantly interfere with everyday life. More extreme cases may require pain management through prescription muscle relaxers or opiates. Anxiety and stress relievers may also be necessary, as increased stress can decrease pain tolerance. Additionally, severe pain can interfere with necessary bodily functions, like sleep, the deprivation of which makes the body more susceptible to the constant pain. A wide variety of medications are available to help with nerve pain; following appropriate testing, your doctor should be able to help you come up with the best options. If six weeks of these treatments result in no improvement, this is the time to see your doctor to discuss physical therapy, prescription medication, steroid injections, or even surgery.
Risk Factors
Things that increase the risk of developing sciatica are nearly all things that put increased strain on the lower back. People in occupations that require twisting or heavy lifting are more likely to develop the condition. A sedentary lifestyle is another leading cause of nerve pain, as prolonged sitting and inactivity can make matters worse. Being overweight also puts stress on your spine, because of the extra weight that changes and increases pressure on the spine. Diabetics are also at an increased risk, because peripheral nerves can be damaged by abnormally high blood sugar levels.
