Friday, 13 May 2016

Don’t let Sciatica Steal The Fun From Your Life

Sciatica is a common pain that affects the sciatic nerve. This nerve, i.e. sciatic, is a large nerve that extends from the lower back down the back of each leg. This health issue usually troubles only one side of the lower body. Its pain goes from the lower back all the way through the back of the thigh and down through the leg. Sometimes, it also has an impact on the foot or toes. Talking about the intensity of pain, it varies from patient to patient. While some people suffer from severe and unbearable experience, others go from irritating and infrequent ache.
As per the guidelines of sciatica symptoms and treatment, it is suggested to immediately seek the medical help if there is progressive lower extremity weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control or numbness in the upper thighs. Have a glimpse of some signs, which indicate presence of this health disorder.

Symptoms of Sciatica
1.        Burning or itching down the leg
2.      Pain in the rear or leg that increases when sitting
3.       Extreme pain that makes it difficult to stand up
4.      Lower back pain
5.      Constant pain on one side of the rear
6.      Hip pain
7.      Weakness, numbness, or difficulty in moving the leg or foot



Generally, irritation of the lower lumbar roots and lumbosacral spine leads to sciatica. However, some additional reasons are:

1.        Lumbar spinal stenosis:  It refers to narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back.

2.      Degenerative disc disease: It means breaking down of discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae.

3.       Spondylolisthesis: This is a condition in which one vertebra slips forward over another one.
Non-surgical treatment includes heat/ice therapy, pain medications and epidural steroid injections. If the pain persists four to six weeks or more or non-surgical methods fail or when the patient is not able to continue the daily activities, surgical method is the only option. Depending on the cause and duration of the pain, one of two general surgeries are considered:
  1. Microdiscectomy
  2. Lumbar laminectomy

There are some exercises which help in dealing with low back pain and provide relief if done regularly. The busy schedule of these days and no time to look after one’s own health are the additional factors, which damage human body to a great extent. Taking medicines without consulting the physicians is also something very harmful. Rather than going for the hit & trial game, opt for low back pain treatment on time to avoid major consequences. 

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