What is Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition related to injury or compression of the sciatic nerve. This condition can affect anyone, regardless of their age or gender. The sciatic nerve is located in the lower back and continues down the leg. The sciatic nerve is the widest and largest nerve in the human body, and compression or injury of this nerve results in considerable pain.

Sciatica can occur to any person but is most common in people with slipped discs and pelvic injuries. Sciatica pain usually occurs on one side of the body, and can be a sharp pain, numbness in the leg, or inability to move the affected leg. To determine if sciatica is present, a doctor or chiropractor would examine the patient for symptoms such as weakness while bending the knee or abnormal reflexes.

Sciatica can be treated with non-invasive techniques. A doctor or chiropractor may prescribe heat or ice applied to the painful area, over the counter pain medications, or different positions for sleeping. If the sciatica is not resolved using these treatment methods, injections or medications can be used to alleviate pain.

At times, sciatica may not go away with non-invasive treatments. For these specific cases, doctors can perform surgery for the underlying cause of sciatica. Such surgeries include diskcetomy and intradiscal electrothermoplasty procedures. These surgeries can fix the symptoms of sciatica but are also expensive with a long recovery period.

Sciatica is a symptom of many health conditions, such as slipped or herniated discs, pelvic injuries, or bad posture. It can affect people of all ages and health conditions. The symptoms of sciatica include leg pain, numbness, or inability to lift the affected leg. Sciatica can be relieved by heat or ice therapy, over the counter medications, and physical therapy for sciatica. In extreme cases, yet not recommended, surgery may be an option for relieving the pain of sciatica.