Sciatica is more of a symptom than a medical condition. It is distinguished by pain in the gluteal region and lower back. This pain mostly spreads down to one or both legs and down into the calf, thigh, ankle and even the foot. You will know that it is sciatica when the pain travels below the knee.
Sciatic pain happens when compression is present at the base of the spine. Another is when a pressure or injury puts pressure on the nerve roots of the sciatic nerve. You will find the sciatic nerve systems in the sacral and lumbar part of the spine. Sciatica or sciatic pain is usually irregular or continuous; tingly, burning, dull, numb, sharp and mostly affects only one side of the body or in some cases both sides. It can spread down to the entire stretch of the nerve that is all the way down to the toes.
Sciatic pain is often a result of spinal Stenosis, herniated disc or in rare cases, it might be a result of a tumor or infection. But the most common cause of sciatica is herniated disc. Herniated disc that occurs in the sacral or lumbar area can compress the sciatic nerve which can result to pain as well as discomfort.
Best Options for Sciatica Pain Management
Traditionally, bed rest is often recommended to bring relief to aching joints and bones. However recent study have shown that bed rest alone is not effective in relieving pain from sciatica. It is found out that staying active maybe beneficial for those who are suffering from low back pain. It does not mean any strenuous activity but any activity that keeps you from being up and moving for a time and is not heavy enough to cause further damage or pain. Some healthcare provider may prescribed a set of exercise or simply suggest walking.
This has been supported with a study conducted with 183 patients who are suffering with sciatica. Half of the patients were recommended to have bed rest and other half is told to remain active as usual. After two weeks patients were evaluated and again in another twelve weeks, another evaluation is made. The results are all consistent with the two groups. Two thirds of both groups reports improvement and they have the same number off days from work (N Engl J Med 1999).
As for sciatica pain, it is usually treated with NSAID or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like codeine or ibuprofen. In cases were pain is severe, then a cortisone drug may be injected in the epidural space. The procedure involves the same as that epidural use during childbirth called the epidural steroid injection. This may bring temporary relief and does not really solve the root of the problem.
There are some patients too that finds relief from surgery. Surgery is usually the last option to take if conservative treatment does not work.