Sciatica
Disease definition:
Sciatica is a term given to any type of pain caused by inflammation of the sciatic nerve
or pressure on it. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It is located at the beginning of the back
From the pelvis, through the buttocks, and along the legs, to the bottom of the feet.
The pain of sciatica often occurs in the buttocks and legs, and the pain
It usually lasts about several weeks to go away on its own, except in some cases that may happen
The pain continues with her for a year or more.
The cause of the disease:
In most cases of sciatica, the cause is a herniated disc at one of the vertebrae of the column
vertebral column, which often occurs with advancing age.
There are also less common causes, such as:
Spinal stenosis.
• Spondylolisthesis in the spine.
• Inflammation or injury of the spine.
• A tumor is formed inside the spine.
• cauda equina syndrome.
Symptoms:
If the sciatic nerve is compressed or becomes inflamed, it can cause:
1. The feeling of pain.
2. A feeling of numbness in the area.
3. A tingling sensation from the lower back to the toes.
4. Weakness of the calf muscles or the muscles that move the foot and ankle.
It should be noted that the strength of the pain ranges from being moderate to very painful, and it intensifies during pregnancy
Sneezing, coughing, or sitting for a long period of time.
Although many people with sciatica suffer from back pain, it is usually
The pain associated with sciatica is limited to the buttocks and legs.
Diagnosis:
It can be diagnosed with:
• CT scan of the spine.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine.
Risk factors:
1. Age.
2. Weight.
3. Nature of work.
4. Sitting for a long time.
5. Having diabetes.
Complications:
Although most people recover completely from sciatica, often without treatment,
It may cause permanent nerve damage. Therefore, it is important to alert the doctor in the event of any of the following:
• Loss of feeling in the injured leg.
• Weakness of the affected leg.
• Loss of bowel or bladder function.
Treatment:
If the pain does not improve on its own with self-care, your doctor may recommend some medications
The following treatments:
• Medications:
There are types of drugs that may be prescribed for sciatica pain, including:
o Anti-inflammatories.
o Muscle relaxants.
o strong pain relievers (narcotics)
o Antidepressants.
• natural therapy:
As soon as the acute pain improves, the physiotherapist or doctor will develop a plan or
A program to rehabilitate the injured so that he can avoid future injuries. It includes
The program usually performs special exercises to correct posture, strengthen back muscles and improve posture
Flexibility.
Steroid injections:
In some cases, your doctor may recommend an injection of a corticosteroid medication into the area around a root
involved nerve It helps reduce pain by overcoming inflammation around the nerve
inflamed, and its effect only lasts for several months.
o It should be noted that steroid injections are only given in a limited manner; This is because the risk of effects
Its profile increases with frequent use.
• Surgery as a last resort.
Protection:
It is not believed that sciatica can be prevented, and it may even recur, but there are several
Points that may significantly contribute to protecting the back:
• Do the assigned exercises regularly.
Proper sitting and choosing a good and suitable seat.
Source: Saudi Ministry of Health
