Sciatica Definition Sciatica is irritation of the sciatic nerve that passes down the back of each thigh.  The sciatic nerve arises from the lower spine on either side and travels deep in the pelvis to the lower buttocks.  From there it passes along the back of each upper leg and divides at the knee into branches that go to the feet.  Sciatica typically causes pain that shoots down the back of one thigh or buttock. Causes Anything that causes irritation or puts pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause sciatica, including: Herniated disc or slipped disc -- the cushions between the bones of your spine bulge out of place Disc degeneration, caused by againg or arthritis Spinal stenosis -- narrowing of the spinal canal in the lumbar area Spondylolisthesis - slippage of a bone in the low back Sprain or strain of muscles or ligaments in the area In rare cases: Benign or malignant tumors Infections Blood clots Metabolic problems like diaberes Toxins such as excessive alcohol Risk Factors Age: 25-45 Injury such as: Lifting a heavy object Sudden movement or twisting Family members with sciatica or low back problems Vibration from vehicle or heavy equipment Lack of regular exercise Obesity Smoking Stress Symptoms Sciatica causes symptoms that can range from mild to severe Typical symptoms include: Burning, tingling or a shooting pain down the back of one leg Pain in one leg or buttock that is worse with Sitting Standing up Coughing Sneezing Straining Weakness or numbness in a leg or foot. More serious symptoms associated with sciatica that may require immediate medical attention include: Progressive weakness in a leg or foot Difficulty walking, standing, or moving Loss of bowel or bladder control Fever, unexplained weight loss or other signs of illness Diagnosis The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and examine your back, hips and legs.  The physical exam will include tests for strength, flexibility, sensation and reflexes. Other tests may include: X-ray - a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones MRI Scan - a test that uses magnetic maves to make pictures of structures inside the body. CT Scan - a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body. Nerve Conduction Study - a test in which an electrical current is passed through a nerve to determine the health or disease of that nerve. Treatment The goal of treatment is to reduce sciatic nerve irritation Treatment options include: Bed rest - resting on a firm mattress or pad on the floor for two-to-thee days, getting up only to use the toilet Medication Pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin or ibuprofen Muscle relaxers for muscle spasm Cortisone pills or injections where the sciatic nerve comes out of the spine Antidepressants for chronic pain Physical Therapy -- at home or work, which may include: Hot or cold packs Stretching and strengthening exercises Massage Ultrasound treatments Electrical stimulation Alternative Therapies Relaxation training Hypnosis Guided imagery Biofeedback Acupuncture Surgery - to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.  This is performed in emergency situations or if other treatments fail.  Common surgical procedures are discectomy and lumbar laminectomy. Prevention Sciatica tends to recur. The following steps may help keep it from coming back or, in some cases, from happening in the first place When lifting, hold the object close to your chest, maintain a straight back, and use your leg muscles to slowly rise Practice good posture to reduce pressure on your spine Sleep on a firm mattress Exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Good choices include walking, swimming, or exercises recommended by your doctor or physical therapist. Avoid sitting or standing in one position for prolonged periods. Consider job retraining if your work requires a lot of heavy lifting or sitting. If you smoke, quit.  Smoking can damage your sciatic nerve. Copyright 2001 HealthGate Data Corp.

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Sciatica Definition Sciatica is irritation of the sciatic nerve that passes down the back of each thigh.  The sciatic nerve arises from the lower spine on either side and travels deep in the pelvis to the lower buttocks.  From there it passes along the back of each upper leg and divides at the knee into branches that go to the feet.  Sciatica typically causes pain that shoots down the back of one thigh or buttock. Causes Anything that causes irritation or puts pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause sciatica, including: Herniated disc or slipped disc -- the cushions between the bones of your spine bulge out of place Disc degeneration, caused by againg or arthritis Spinal stenosis -- narrowing of the spinal canal in the lumbar area Spondylolisthesis - slippage of a bone in the low back Sprain or strain of muscles or ligaments in the area In rare cases: Benign or malignant tumors Infections Blood clots Metabolic problems like diaberes Toxins such as excessive alcohol Risk Factors Age: 25-45 Injury such as: Lifting a heavy object Sudden movement or twisting Family members with sciatica or low back problems Vibration from vehicle or heavy equipment Lack of regular exercise Obesity Smoking Stress Symptoms Sciatica causes symptoms that can range from mild to severe Typical symptoms include: Burning, tingling or a shooting pain down the back of one leg Pain in one leg or buttock that is worse with Sitting Standing up Coughing Sneezing Straining Weakness or numbness in a leg or foot. More serious symptoms associated with sciatica that may require immediate medical attention include: Progressive weakness in a leg or foot Difficulty walking, standing, or moving Loss of bowel or bladder control Fever, unexplained weight loss or other signs of illness Diagnosis The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and examine your back, hips and legs.  The physical exam will include tests for strength, flexibility, sensation and reflexes. Other tests may include: X-ray - a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones MRI Scan - a test that uses magnetic maves to make pictures of structures inside the body. CT Scan - a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body. Nerve Conduction Study - a test in which an electrical current is passed through a nerve to determine the health or disease of that nerve. Treatment The goal of treatment is to reduce sciatic nerve irritation Treatment options include: Bed rest - resting on a firm mattress or pad on the floor for two-to-thee days, getting up only to use the toilet Medication Pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin or ibuprofen Muscle relaxers for muscle spasm Cortisone pills or injections where the sciatic nerve comes out of the spine Antidepressants for chronic pain Physical Therapy -- at home or work, which may include: Hot or cold packs Stretching and strengthening exercises Massage Ultrasound treatments Electrical stimulation Alternative Therapies Relaxation training Hypnosis Guided imagery Biofeedback Acupuncture Surgery - to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.  This is performed in emergency situations or if other treatments fail.  Common surgical procedures are discectomy and lumbar laminectomy. Prevention Sciatica tends to recur. The following steps may help keep it from coming back or, in some cases, from happening in the first place When lifting, hold the object close to your chest, maintain a straight back, and use your leg muscles to slowly rise Practice good posture to reduce pressure on your spine Sleep on a firm mattress Exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Good choices include walking, swimming, or exercises recommended by your doctor or physical therapist. Avoid sitting or standing in one position for prolonged periods. Consider job retraining if your work requires a lot of heavy lifting or sitting. If you smoke, quit.  Smoking can damage your sciatic nerve. Copyright 2001 HealthGate Data Corp.