What Is Sciatica? What Causes Sciatica?

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Main Category: Pain / Anesthetics
Also Included In: Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 18 Sep 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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Sciatica (pronounced sai-AT-ti-ka) is the name given to any pain stemming from the irritation of the sciatic nerve. Anything that irritates this nerve can cause pain that ranges from mild to severe; usually, from a compressed nerve root in the lumbar (lower) spine. Often, the term "sciatica" is confused with general back pain. However, sciatica is not just limited to the back.

The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the human body. It runs from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down the legs, ending just below the knee. This nerve controls several muscles in the lower legs and allows that area to be sensitive to touch.

Sciatica is not, in fact, a condition, but rather a symptom of another problem involving the sciatic nerve.

According to MediLexicon's medical dictionary, sciatica means "Pain in the lower back and hip radiating down the back of the thigh into the leg, initially attributed to sciatic nerve dysfunction (hence the term), but now known to usually be due to herniated lumbar disk compressing a nerve root, most commonly the [5th lumbar vertebra] or [1st sacral vertebra] root."

There are two types of sciatica

• Acute sciatica (short-term)
  
  Acute sciatica does not typically require professional treatment; symptoms can be significantly reduced with the use of accessible over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers combined with hot and cold packs and exercise.


• Chronic sciatica (long-term)
  
  Chronic sciatica, on the other hand may require physical therapy (UK: physiotherapy), which may include exercise, applied heat, and other techniques. In rare cases surgery may be required.

Acute sciatica may last between four to eight weeks, while chronic sciatica persists for longer.

What causes sciatica?

Sciatica is a common symptom of several different medical conditions, the most pervasive being a herniated (slipped) disc.

The spinal column is made up of three parts:

• Vertebrae (individual bones in the spine that protect underlying nerves)
• Nerves
• Discs

A disc is made of a strong and resilient type of tissue (cartilage), and acts as a cushion between each vertebrae and allows the spine to be flexible. A herniated disc occurs when a disc is temporarily pushed out of place and puts pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Other causes of sciatica include:

• Lumbar spinal stenosis - a narrowing of the spinal cord (a channel within the vertebrae that contains the nerves) in the lower back that may compress the sciatic nerve.


• Spondylolisthesis - a condition in which a disc may slip forward over the vertebra below it, pinching the sciatic nerve.


• Tumors within the spine may compress the root of the sciatic nerve.


• Infection within the spine.


• Injury within the spine.


• Cauda equina syndrome - a rare, but serious condition that affects the nerves on the lower part of the spinal cord; it requires immediate medical attention. Cauda equina syndrome may permanently damage the nervous system and even lead to paralysis.

In many cases of sciatica there is no single obvious cause. Anything that irritates the sciatic nerve can produce sciatic pain. However, it is thought that a combination of muscle, joint and bone strain may lead to sciatica, which is why it is more common in people over 40.

What are the risk factors for sciatica?

A risk factor is something that increases the likelihood of developing a disease or condition. For example, smoking raises the risk of developing many cancers - therefore, smoking is a risk factor for cancer.

Common risk factors for sciatica are:

• Age - due to the deterioration of discs, people in their 30s and 40s have a higher risk of developing sciatica.


• Profession - jobs that require lifting heavy loads for long periods.


• Sedentary lifestyle - people who sit for long periods and are physically inactive are more likely to develop sciatica, compared to physically active individuals.

What are the signs and symptoms of sciatica?

The main symptom of sciatica is a shooting pain anywhere along the sciatic nerve; from the lower back, through the buttock, and down the back of either leg (usually only one leg is affected). This pain can range from mild soreness to a sharp pain or severe discomfort, and may be aggravated if you sit for long periods.

Other common symptoms of sciatica include:

• Numbness in the leg along the nerve; occasionally, this numbness in one part of the leg may be accompanied by pain in a different part of the leg.


• Tingling sensation (pins and needles) in the feet and toes.

How is sciatica diagnosed?

If the symptoms of sciatica are mild and do not last longer than four to eight weeks, you are probably experiencing acute sciatica and medical attention is not usually necessary as it tends to resolve itself.

A complete medical history may help speed up the diagnosis. Doctors will also have you perform basic exercises (paying close attention to the legs) that stretch the sciatic nerve. A shooting pain down the leg while performing these exercises usually indicates sciatica.

If pain persists for more than four to eight weeks, imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI may be necessary to help identify what is compressing the sciatic nerve and causing your symptoms.

What are the treatment options for sciatica?

Most cases of acute sciatica respond well to self-care measures, which may include:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers - relieve symptoms of pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Ibuprofen, are recommended. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, paracetamol) is recommended for extended use. Not all painkillers are suitable for every patient; be sure to review options with your doctor.


• Exercises such as walking or light stretching.


• Hot or cold compression packs help to reduce pain. It is often helpful to alternate between the two.

Treatment of chronic sciatica usually involves a combination of self-care measures and medical treatment.

• Prescription painkillers - Amitriptyline, gabapentin, codeine (a mild opiate-based painkiller), which is often prescribed in combination with paracetamol, and if sciatica symptoms are severe, diazepam.


• Physical therapy - can teach you exercises to strengthen back muscles and improve flexibility, and how to prevent strain on your back.


• Chiropractic treatment - can maneuver the spine to alleviate pressure on the nerves, consequently relieving pain


• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) - helps manage chronic pain by training people to react differently to their pain


• Surgery may be an option if symptoms have not responded to other treatments and continue to intensify. Some options include:
  
  
  • Lumbar laminectomy - widening of the spinal cord in the lower back to reduce pressure on the nerves.
  
  
  • Discectomy - partial or entire removal of a herniated disc.
  
  Depending on the cause of your sciatica, a surgeon will go over the risks and benefits of surgery and be able to suggest a suitable surgical option.

How can sciatica be prevented?

In some cases sciatica cannot be prevented. However, there are several lifestyle changes that can reduce the chances of developing it, including:

• Regular exercise - focus on strengthening core muscles (in the abdomen and lower back) necessary for proper posture.


• Proper posture - standing and sitting upright, lifting objects correctly, and selecting a mattress and pillow that support the spine.

Written by Caroline Gillot

Original article date: 24 April 2004
Article updated: 18 September 2009
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today