Sciatica Symptoms – Learn the Causes And Options For Pinched Nerve, Piriformis Syndrome, And Sciatic Nerve Symptoms
Sciatica symptoms refers to the pain, tingling, irritation, numbness or weakness of the leg caused by a problem in the lower back. This form of pain is called radiculapathy and occurs when the root of the nerve connecting to sciatica nerve gets compressed. In other words, a disc in the vertebral column goes out of its normal position and exerts pressure on the radicular nerve which is in the back of the leg. It follows a single spinal nerve, for instance the Lumbar 5 (L5), Sacral 1 (S1), etc.
Where Sciatica Symptoms Can Start
The pain normally begins in the lower back (as a result of herniated disc) or in the buttock (as a result of piriformis syndrome) and then goes down to the leg where the main sciatica nerve is. Piriformis syndrome symptoms cause pain and numbness just above the knee, at the back of the leg. Sciatica is normally a symptom of a problem in the low back (lumbar area) rather than a medical diagnosis. These sciatic nerve symptoms are what require treatment to relieve pain in the sciatica nerve. Injury may not cause sciatica but sciatica pain continuing for a long time may come as a result of wear and tear in the lower spine. A pinched nerve is also known as a bulging disc, slipped disc, ruptured disc, prolapsed disc or degenerative disc disease. The pinched nerve symptoms are a problem that usually affects people of between 30 and 50 years of age.
Sciatica Symptoms Diagnosis
Diagnosis is done by physical examination and medical history. In some instances, x-rays, films and other diagnostics such as electromyogram, CT scan and MRI scan are carried out to determine further the causes of sciatica.
What Are Sciatica Symptoms?
The most common sciatic nerve symptoms include:
- Pain, numbness, tingling and a burning sensation beginning in the lower back through the buttock to the back of the leg.
- Weakness in the leg and difficulty in moving the foot.
- Difficulty in walking or standing due to sharp pain (in case of severe sciatica symptoms)
Reduced knee-jerk reflexes or reflexes in the ankles.
Treatment
1. Non surgical treatment:
Includes medical and non-medical treatments and can be either one or both methods. Examples are: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cortisone injections, ultra sound, hot packs, electrical stimulation. Sciatica exercises and stretches would also help relieve sciatica pain and prevent any other future sciatica pain.
2. Sciatica surgery
These include: discectomy, laminectomy and microdiscectomy. They help remove the part of irritating nerve root and bring relief to the pressure and the inflammation of the sciatica symptoms.
Now that you have some understanding of these types of nerve pain, perhaps you should learn about sciatica treatment at our home page.