Sciatica is a pain, which occurs in the sciatic nerve. The pain travels from the lower back into each leg. It usually happens when the sciatic nerve is pinched. It is a symptom, which is caused by a problem with the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica symptoms and treatment
The common causes of sciatica:
• Herniated (slipped) disc
• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Ruptured intervertebral disc
• Piriformis syndrome
• Injury to the pelvis
• Tumors
It is also possible that the sciatica pain will not have any determinable cause, and in such cases, the pain goes away on its own. Some of them do not require medical attention, however, in severe cases, it is essential to determine the cause to avoid any other problem.
When to visit a doctor
Sciatic pain varies; it may be a mild ache or a severe one. It all depends from person to person. You must see a doctor, if you experience:
• Unintentional or sudden weight loss
• Fever with back pain
• Severe pain, which makes moving or staying still uncomfortable
• Blood in urine and/or burning with urination
• Loss of control of bowels (incontinence)
• Redness or swelling around the spine
• Back pain, which has lasted for more than four weeks
• Back pain following an accident or injury
• Numbness or weakness in the legs, buttocks, or pelvis
For primary care, you can visit a doctor if the symptoms persist for a month or more. There are different kinds of treatment available. It is always advisable to avoid a surgery. A non-surgical treatment is much better and long lasting. Painkillers, heat and ice packs or exercise can help in reducing the pain. Visit a doctor to get relief and relax your muscles. Physical therapy is suggested to build strength in your abdomen and improve your flexibility. Bed rest is not recommended as it may worsen the pain.
Sciatica symptoms and treatment
The common causes of sciatica:
• Herniated (slipped) disc
• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Ruptured intervertebral disc
• Piriformis syndrome
• Injury to the pelvis
• Tumors
It is also possible that the sciatica pain will not have any determinable cause, and in such cases, the pain goes away on its own. Some of them do not require medical attention, however, in severe cases, it is essential to determine the cause to avoid any other problem.
When to visit a doctor
Sciatic pain varies; it may be a mild ache or a severe one. It all depends from person to person. You must see a doctor, if you experience:
• Unintentional or sudden weight loss
• Fever with back pain
• Severe pain, which makes moving or staying still uncomfortable
• Blood in urine and/or burning with urination
• Loss of control of bowels (incontinence)
• Redness or swelling around the spine
• Back pain, which has lasted for more than four weeks
• Back pain following an accident or injury
• Numbness or weakness in the legs, buttocks, or pelvis
For primary care, you can visit a doctor if the symptoms persist for a month or more. There are different kinds of treatment available. It is always advisable to avoid a surgery. A non-surgical treatment is much better and long lasting. Painkillers, heat and ice packs or exercise can help in reducing the pain. Visit a doctor to get relief and relax your muscles. Physical therapy is suggested to build strength in your abdomen and improve your flexibility. Bed rest is not recommended as it may worsen the pain.
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