HealthyCanada.com

Sciatica is a general term for pain along the sciatic nerve which runs from the pelvis through the hip area and buttocks and down each leg. Back pain often radiates down into the buttock whereas sciatica typically goes below the knee. Sciatica occurs in about 5% of people who have back pain. It generally goes away on its own in about six weeks.

The most common and universal symptom is pain that radiates from the:

• lower back to the knee and below
• mid-buttock to the outside of the calf the top of one foot and into the space between the last two toes
• inside of the calf to the inner ankle and sole of one foot

Some people will experience only a mild ache while others will suffer a sharp burning sensation that feels almost like an electric shock. The pain is usually worse while sitting or when coughing or sneezing.

In addition to pain symptoms may include numbness tingling or muscle weakness. . Foot drop where the person doesn't lift their foot that well while walking can happen as the messages to the muscles don't quite get through. Very rarely people with sciatica experience a loss of bladder or bowel control If this happens seek medical help immediately.

Sciatica is not a condition but a symptom of another problem in this case the compression of a nerve root in the lower spine. While there are a number of possible causes it is most often the result of a herniated disk in the back. These disks tend to become brittle as we age and more likely to rupture especially if you twist your back strain while lifting heavy objects or spend a lot of time driving. Underlying medical conditions add to the risk. There is also evidence that some people may be genetically predisposed to disk problems.

Regardless of the reasons when a disk ruptures a protective jelly-like substance leaks out and the disk rubs directly on the nerve root in the lower back. This contact is what causes the excruciating pain we know as sciatica.

Sciatic pain usually goes away on its own in six weeks or so. You can get some relief from the pain by using hot and cold packs and over-the-counter pain relievers. Physical therapy also can help. If the problem persists your doctor may suggest surgery to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. This usually starts with investigations such as a back x-ray CT scan or MRI. Unfortunately while sciatica is one of the most common conditions for which back surgery is recommended it isn't always successful and has a high risk of complications.