subject: What Is Sciatica And Why Do You Have It [print this page] Contrary to some belief, sciatica is not a disease, rather it is a symptom. It occurs when one of the nerves in the lower spine is "pinched." It can occur as the result of a slipped vertebrae or disc, pressure on the spinal nerves, or even muscle spasms in the lower spine or tailbone region. Most often it is the result of a herniated disc, but a number of different conditions can occur where the sciatic nerve is pinched, under pressure, or compressed.
The symptom sciatica is the leg pain that is often sharp and shooting. It can also be a numb and tingly feeling felt throughout the leg. It can cause the patient not to be able to sit or stand a certain way, because their pinched nerve is under pressure when they move a certain way. Sometimes it makes walking impossible for the patient experiencing the pain. It can be felt from the thigh all the way to the knee, and sometimes even in the lower buttocks.
Your sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in your body. The reason you experience the pain in your leg when you have sciatica is because the nerve runs from your lower back, through your buttocks, and down to the back of your knee. Sciatica usually goes away on its own after some time, and even if undiagnosed and untreated, it is unlikely you'll have any permanent damage. The worst thing that usually happens in there is chronic muscle weakness.
Sciatica can be diagnosed through the use of an x-ray, MRI, CT scan, or an electromyogram. There are also a few different pain and movement tests doctors can perform to pinpoint the area where the sciatica is causing the most pain to the patient. There is also a dye test that can be performed to see if a disc or vertebrae is out of place and which one is where it is not supposed to be. These tests are not necessary to treat sciatica, but they can help solve the problem of why the sciatica occurs.
The treatment for sciatica is a physical therapy or chiropractic regimen, coupled with rest and anti-inflammatory medications if necessary. If you think you are suffering from sciatica, you should visit your local physical therapist. Depending on the severity of your condition, they can start your on a weekly or monthly therapy session to improve the mobility of your sciatic nerve so it won't be pinched anymore.
While sciatica can't necessarily be prevented, keeping yourself healthy is the best way to make sure you aren't affected by a pinched nerve or the symptom sciatica. If you regularly exercise, strengthening your back muscles is a great way to keep your mobility up and avoid any pain. Be careful that you don't overexert yourself however. Maintaining a good posture and wearing shoes that support your posture will also help to ensure that you aren't pinching a nerve in your spine.
