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Back pain has become a common musculoskeletal condition so much so that people have generalised it. However, Sciatica pain can be different from back pain as it isn’t usually isolated to the back but radiates through the leg as well. Herniated discs is the most common cause behind Sciatica but there are other causes as well. Read the blog to find more information on Sciatica and how it can be treated using non-surgical methods.
Sciatica is referred to as ‘nerve pain’ that affects the sciatic nerve running down the buttock to the toe on each leg. Unlike general back pain that may be isolated in the back region, if you are experiencing Sciatica, you will feel dull to a jolting pain throughout your back all the way to the big toe.
The sciatic nerve is the thickest and longest-running nerve in the body standing at a finger-width. It is made up of five nerve roots stemming from the lower part of the lumbar spine and sacrum. Starting from the lower back, it is the thickest till it drops below the knees where it branches till it reaches the toes. This is the reason why Sciatic pain cannot be isolated in the back and feels radiating throughout the limbs.
You might experience Sciatic pain in either the left or right leg. Pain in both the legs is a possibility but may not be common. Sciatica usually occurs due to pinching, irritation, compression, and inflammation in the Sciatic nerve such as in the case of herniated disc although there can be other reasons involved.
According to the experts, there are a few risk factors that contribute to Sciatica. The sciatic pain can be either sudden or gradual based on the underlying reason such as in the case of herniated disc and spinal arthritis respectively.
If you have an injury in the lower back or spine, you are at risk of developing Sciatica. Another risk factor is ageing as normal wear and tear puts the discs and tissues under stress. It might result in shifting of bones, herniated or slipped discs, or spinal stenosis causing the nerves to be pinched or compressed leading to Sciatic pain that will most likely affect one side of the lower part of the body.
People with Diabetes are at higher risk of developing nerve damage. Similarly, those with osteoarthritis show similar potential to risk of Sciatica as well.
Most commonly, your doctor will perform some preliminary movements to dictate if there’s Sciatic pain and to what extent. Spinal X-rays can reveal what’s cooking while CT scans and MRIs give an in-depth view into the spine giving more clarity if you actually have Sciatica or not. Even if you don’t have sciatic pain but a back pain problem, these imaging tests will be able to find the root cause for better treatment. Electromyography and Myelogram are some after-tests that your doctor might ask for as well.
There are a few ways to self-care for Sciatica that we have highlighted below.
It is ideal to take an ice bag to apply on the region where you are experiencing pain or swelling. Massage the area for 20 minutes several times a day and then, switch to a hot pack and repeat for a few days. You should see some improvements soon.
The pain associated with Sciatica can be anything from dull to a pain radiating in one side of the body. In case of the absence of infection, weakness, or other factors, stretching exercises or medical movements can help alleviate the excessive pain.
Before getting into the stretches you need to do, it’s important that you note down some things. First, we recommend practising these stretches 8 to 10 times per side. You can do it every day or at least twice a week. Deep breathing fills up your lungs which is way more beneficial than holding your breaths.
Following are some of the stretches you can try that are effective in treating Sciatica non-surgically under expert guidance :
Seated Glute Stretch
Standing Piriformis Stretch
Scissor Hamstring Stretch
Back Flexion Stretch
Sciatic Nerve Glide Exercise
Sitting Spinal Stretch
Basic Seated Stretch
Standing Hamstring Stretch
Figure 4 Stretch
Forward Pigeon Pose
Knee to the Opposite Shoulder, and many more.
Treatment for Sciatica is exhaustive but that may include surgery. We at QI Spine Clinic have been attending to patients with Sciatica and other sorts of back issues such as spondylosis, spinal stenosis, herniated disc, and slipped disc among others using non-invasive treatment methods. Call QI Spine 086558 85566 to book an appointment and say yes to pain-free living
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