A lot of people are quick to think that the pain they feel in their leg is Sciatica, but it is important to get a diagnosis to find out what is behind the sciatica cause especially when pain is felt in the lower back.
Sciatica is a symptom of an underlying condition.
The pain associated with Sciatica may vary from mild to intense discomfort. It is also the kind of pain that often comes and goes.
Other patients only feel numbness, weakness or a tingling sensation. Sciatica, generally only affects one leg at a time.
The link between the Sciatic Nerve and the Sciatica Cause
Sciatica is the name given to pain caused by compression or irritation of the Sciatic nerve.
The Sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It runs from the back of the pelvis or the sacrum, passes through the buttocks, hip and radiates down into the legs, soles of the feet and the toes.
The Sciatic nerve, when irritated or compressed, can cause nerve pain that is referred to as Sciatica.
Possible conditions of your Sciatica Cause:
- Herniated Disc
This is a common sciatica cause. Almost 90% of sciatica is caused by herniated discs. There are two possible reasons why herniated discs cause Sciatic pain:
a.Direct Compression
This can occur when lumbar discs are compressed against the sciatic nerve. Commonly, herniated discs may compress one side of the Sciatic nerve and affect only one leg.
Though this is a rare occurrence, bilateral sciatica is also possible when two adjacent discs are herniating on both sides.
b.Inflammation
This can occur when the inner gel fluid between the discs leaks out and cause irritation or inflammation around the sciatic nerve area.
2. Degeneration
Discs in the lumbar spine can deteriorate.
When the facet joints degenerate, it can cause inflammation. When the tissues are inflamed, they can cause compression in the sciatic nerve.
Also, degenerated discs may secrete substance that can directly inflame the sciatic nerve.
3. Spinal Stenosis
This is the term used to describe narrowing of the spinal canal. This is a common disorder in adults over 60 years of age. If an elderly patient suffers from sciatic pain, the most probable cause is spinal stenosis.
4. Spondylolisthesis
This is a condition where a vertebrae slips on another vertebrae due to stress or fracture. Sciatica may happen because of nerve compression.
In spondylolisthesis, bilateral Sciatica may occur if the discs are herniating on both sides.
This cause is common in younger adults especially those who are active in sports.
Sciatica Risk Factors
Sciatica can affect anybody, but those who are exposed to certain activities may be more vulnerable. Here are some risk factors for sciatic discomfort:
- Age
As stated earlier, elderly people are more susceptible to sciatic pain due to degeneration. Herniated discs can also be more common in elderly because of constant activities over the years.
- Weight
As per study, obesity is also a big factor in sciatica. Excess body weight increases the stress on the spine to balance the body and may cause lower back pain.
- Livelihood
Sciatica is probable if a person has a job that requires to carry heavy loads, twist their back or drive vehicles for long periods of time.
Again, proper posture is essential. If the body is always under a lot of physical stress, sciatica may occur.
- Diabetes
This condition increases a person’s risk for nerve damage because it affects the body’s mineral intake and may cause bone deterioration.
Relief for Sciatica Pain
There are various exercises that can help provide relief for sciatica pain. Here are 2 examples:
- Pelvic Tilt
This exercise strengthens the abdominal muscles. This should be performed by first lying on your back.
Next, knees should be bent, arms flat on the floor by your side and feet should be placed flat on the ground.
Then, slowly tighten your core muscles while tilting the pelvis, encouraging the back to flatten on the floor.
This position should be held for at least 20 seconds. This exercise should be increased up to at least 10 repetitions.
- Press Up
This exercise utilizes centralization, a common physical therapy technique for Sciatic pain.
To do this, you should lie on your stomach and prop your body on your elbows if you can while keeping the hips flat on the floor. This position should be held for at least 5 seconds and repeated 10 times.
*Seek professional advice from your chiropractor before undertaking any exercise that may infer that they provide relief for Sciatica pain. Your Chiropractor may be able to give you additional exercises as well.
A Chiropractor may have the Answer to your Sciatica Cause
See a Chiropractor for more information. Chiropractors are highly trained in proper body alignment and can manually manipulate the body through controlled movements. They can provide non-invasive procedures that can relieve your Sciatica cause.
For more information on Sciatica in your area go to: Sciatica Treatment Gold Coast
