Tip! The discs which cushion the vertebrae in the lower back become progressively thinner and harder as we get older. This stresses the lower back and often causes a variety of lower back pain disorders, including sciatica.

The sciatica is the longest nerve in the human body.

The Role of the Sciatica Nerve

Sciatica Defined

By definition, sciatica refers to the pain that occurs when the sciatica nerve becomes injured or inflamed. Sciatica can occur anywhere along the route of the sciatica nerve, but is most commonly felt in the back of the thighs and in the calves. Causes of sciatica can vary widely. Sciatica can be a result of direct trauma to the sciatica nerve as in an accident or it can be caused by something as common as a muscle spasm that puts pressure on the nerve.

What does the Sciatica Nerve do?

The sciatica nerve, the longest in the body, runs a path from the base of the spine, through the pelvis and buttock regions, and down the backs of the thighs. Once the nerve reaches the calf area, it branches off into two sections. One section travels down the inner side of the calf and ankle and the other section follows a path down the outside of the calf around the ankle through the tops of the feet and into the toes.

Tip! For sciatica sufferers, a good night’s sleep may be a thing of the past. Simple things like walking, sitting, or standing up can be difficult or impossible.

This nerve provides sensation to many areas in the legs, calves, feet and toes. The sciatica nerve is also responsible for assisting muscles that allow movement in the knees, ankles and feet. When the sciatica nerve is damaged, it is not uncommon for a person to feel numbness, weakness or pain in any place the nerve passes through.

Stop Sciatica Now. Ease Sciatic Nerve Pain And Prevent Its Return.

Causes of Sciatica can vary

Many causes of sciatica exist. Instances of trauma to the sciatica nerve have been reported from accidents injuring the pelvic region, diseases such as diabetes damaging the sciatica nerve, osteoarthritis induced bone spurs narrowing the spinal canal and tumors placing pressure on the nerve. More commonly, however, the cause of sciatica can be found in a herniated lumbar disc. Either through injury or just constant wear and tear, the disc can become less supple and shift between the vertebrae. When this happens, inflammation of the sciatica nerve can occur through direct pressure of the bulging disc or through chemicals released from the cells of the herniated disc.

Tip! Another cause of sciatica is trauma caused by accidents.

Diagnosing Causes of Sciatica

While many forms of treatment will help the sciatica nerve to heal, the most improvement will occur when the root cause of the sciatica is addressed. In order to do so, a visit to the doctor may prove to be helpful. Physicians will combine a patient’s history along with neurological tests and a physical examination to determine the most likely causes of sciatica. Sometimes, a MRI scan may be necessary to correctly diagnose a patient’s condition. A MRI can help a physician to see herniated discs, bone spurs, nerve damage, and tumors. Knowing the causes of sciatica can help a doctor to treat the patient much more effectively.

Tip! Some cases of sciatica which result from inflammation get better with time and heal themselves perhaps within six weeks to three months.

Nerve Damage usually temporary

In the majority of cases, the sciatica nerve will not be permanently damaged. Healing may take several months, but the pain will most likely continue to decrease as the healing progresses. Adopting a regimen of daily exercise at this time will speed up the healing process as well as help to prevent future episodes.

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Tip! The most common cause of sciatica is a prolapsed (slipped) disc, pinched nerves or some form of arthritis. It usually starts with back pain which sometimes improves only to be followed by hamstring or calf pain.

Have you read the recent news on sciatica nerve pain?

Extreme Sciatica Pain

Dealing with extreme sciatica pain can be challenging. Simple activities such as getting dressed, going to the bathroom, and standing up can become almost impossible. Extreme sciatica pain creeps into every part of a person’s life. A person never seems to get enough sleep because a shift in position can cause enough pain to awaken. Driving becomes difficult because sciatica nerve pain may prevent full control over the clutch, gas and brake pedals. That same pain also interrupts concentration, making it hard to work.

Drug Therapy

Once the pain has stopped responding to over the counter pain relievers, a doctor may prescribe stronger drugs. Sometimes a stronger NSAID may do the trick. Drugs such as nabumetone, are often used for the inflammation associated with arthritis and can be very effective in treating sciatica nerve pain. Other times, a doctor may prescribe steroids to be taken over a period of a week. Steroids mimic the body’s own steroid hormones which inhibit production of proteins responsible for inflammation. In some cases of extreme sciatica pain, an epidural steroid injection may be effective. The steroid is injected into the space within the spine just outside of a sac which surrounds the nerve roots. Less commonly, narcotic pain relievers may be prescribed.

Tip! To complicate matters, although sciatica pain is usually in the back of the legs or thighs, some people may feel pain in the front or side of the legs or even in the hips.

Surgery for Extreme Sciatica Pain

If sciatica nerve pain still persists without improvement, getting an MRI scan can be helpful in diagnosing the cause of the sciatica. Once a physician identifies the problem, more aggressive therapies can be used to treat extreme sciatica pain. Surgery is often recommended for a multitude of lower back problems that cause sciatica. Two back conditions that may require surgery are a herniated disc and spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal.

Treating a Herniated Disc

Microdisectomy addresses the problem of a herniated lumbar disc. Through a small incision, the disc is located and the herniated portion of the disc is removed. In many cases, this surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis. Less invasive forms of disectomy are being used with success. Percutaneous disectomy involves using a tube with a cutting edge to cut away the damaged area of the disc. Lasers are also being used to locate and remove the herniated tissue, helping reduce sciatica nerve pain.

Tip! The discs which cushion the vertebrae in the lower back become progressively thinner and harder as we get older. This stresses the lower back and often causes a variety of lower back pain disorders, including sciatica.

Creating space in the spine

Lumbar laminectomy removes growths that can cause extreme sciatica pain by compressing the sciatic nerve. The most common types of growth are bone spurs caused by various diseases such as osteoarthritis. In this surgery, the spurs are either removed completely or shaved off depending on how the sciatic nerve is compressed. In both types of surgeries, sciatica nerve pain can be improved immediately, but full healing of the nerves and muscles can take several months. As in all surgeries, risks such as nerve and muscle damage, and infection can occur.

Tip! Some cases of sciatica which result from inflammation get better with time and heal themselves perhaps within six weeks to three months.

While surgery can alleviate extreme sciatica pain for a longer length of time, there is no guarantee that the problem will not reoccur and may require another surgical intervention.

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Tip! Often overlooked as one of the sciatica causes, this condition involves irritation or tightness of the piriformis muscle. Located in the outside of the hip area and reaching across the lower buttock area, this muscle is responsible for the rotation of the hip while the leg is extended.

Sciatica Exercise

Sciatica Exercise Benefits

Many health practitioners stress that daily exercises for relieving sciatica are crucial for preventing repeat bouts of the condition. Aerobic exercise increases circulation, stimulating the flow of nutrients to all parts of the body, especially the spinal area. Strengthening sciatica exercise helps with keeping the posture aligned and the back properly supported. Stretching positions are also great exercises for relieving sciatica symptoms and preventing recurrences. When the body is loose and flexible, back related injuries and muscle spasms are less common.

Pilates and the “Core”

One type of sciatica exercise that addresses all three issues is Pilates. This sciatica exercise is actually a routine of exercises that work all the major muscles of the body while placing emphasis on the “core”, a term used to describe the abdomen and back muscles which support the torso. Exercises are performed either on specially designed machines or done as a specific routine on a mat. Joseph H. Pilates, the creator of this type of exercise, believed that the quality of the movements should be stressed rather than the quantity. Each movement is performed an average of only five repetitions and done in cadence to proper breathing. All of the exercises can be modified to fit individual limitations. It is important to find a certified Pilates instructor because the movements need to be done precisely. Also, a trained instructor will have had extensive training in anatomy, rehabilitative techniques and body mechanics as well as being versed in the methods created by Joseph H. Pilates.

Tip! As a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist, I take a different approach to the treatment and prevention of sciatica. After a thorough neurological exam, I determine which part of the nervous system is not functioning properly.

Yoga Postures

Yoga, another form of sciatica exercise which strengthens and stretches muscles and increases circulation, can be of great benefit to sciatica sufferers. The study of yoga actually encompasses areas from the spiritual to the physical, but one area, asanas, or the physical yoga postures, can help relieve symptoms of sciatica. While one can benefit from following yoga routines from tapes, DVD’s and generalized classes, private yoga consultations are recommended for treating sciatica. An experienced yoga therapist will create a program of specific yoga positions and breathing exercises for relieving sciatica. Modifications can be made for individuals who cannot perform the sciatica exercise through the full range of motion.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi, a type of martial art, uses gentle flowing movements to strengthen muscles and increase circulation. This type of sciatica exercise can be done by anyone who is able to walk. The movements also increase flexibility in the muscles and joints, improve posture and balance and in many cases have reduced the pain attributed to inflammation.

Tip! The discs which cushion the vertebrae in the lower back become progressively thinner and harder as we get older. This stresses the lower back and often causes a variety of lower back pain disorders, including sciatica.

Feldenkrais, another Mind and Body Discipline

The Feldenkrais Method is a sciatica exercise that uses movement to improve neuromuscular activity. The two areas of discipline in this method are “Awareness through Movement” and “Functional Integration”. The first, ATM, utilizes gentle movements to make the individual aware of body postures and can be done in a class setting. The latter, FI, is a private session where touch is used to increase the communication between the brain and the body. Students of this method have reported these exercises for relieving sciatica have improved the condition as well reducing the pain.

Stop Sciatica Now. Ease Sciatic Nerve Pain And Prevent Its Return.

Sciatica exercise can greatly enhance a sciatica sufferer’s quality of life, easing pain and creating a stronger, more limber body. Many health practitioners agree that the key to preventing repeat episodes of sciatica is practicing sciatica exercise on a daily basis.

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