Sciatica is a term that describes pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates from the lower back to the buttock and leg. It is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest and thickest nerve in the body. Sciatica can affect your daily activities and quality of life, but it is not a life-threatening condition.
But how do you permanently treat sciatica? Is there a cure for this annoying and painful condition? The answer is not so simple. Sciatica can have different causes, symptoms, and treatments, depending on the individual case. In this article you will learn the common causes and types of sciatica, the available treatment options, and tips to prevent or manage sciatica.
Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica can have various causes, but the most common one is a herniated disc in the lower spine. A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of an intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in the disc’s tough outer layer. This can happen due to aging, injury, or overuse of the spine. A herniated disc can compress or irritate the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back to the leg, and cause sciatic pain.
Other less common causes of sciatica include:
- Spinal stenosis – A narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves
- Spondylolisthesis – A slippage of one vertebra over another, which can reduce the space for the nerve roots and cause nerve compression
- Piriformis syndrome – A spasm or tightness of the piriformis muscle, which is located in the buttock and crosses over the sciatic nerve. This can cause nerve irritation or pinching.
- Pregnancy – A change in body posture, weight, and hormones during pregnancy can affect the spine and discs and cause sciatic pain.
- Other factors – Conditions such as diabetes, infection, tumor, trauma, and anatomical variations can also affect the sciatic nerve and cause sciatica.
Types of Sciatica
There are two types of sciatica, depending on the location and severity of the nerve compression or irritation:
- Acute sciatica – This is sudden and short-term sciatica that lasts for less than six weeks. It is usually caused by a temporary injury or inflammation of the sciatic nerve. Acute sciatica can be very painful, but it usually resolves on its own with time and conservative treatments.
- Chronic sciatica – This is persistent and long-term sciatica that lasts for more than six weeks. It is usually caused by permanent or progressive damage or degeneration of the sciatic nerve. Chronic sciatica can be less intense but more debilitating than acute sciatica. It may require more aggressive treatments or surgery to relieve the symptoms, particularly in the last stages of sciatica.
Conservative Treatment Options
The treatment options for sciatica vary depending on the cause, type, and severity of the condition as well as the individual’s health, lifestyle, and preferences. In most cases, conservative treatments are recommended before considering surgery. Some of the common conservative treatments include:
- Medication – Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or steroid injections can reduce pain and inflammation. Some over-the-counter examples of medications that can help with sciatica are aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. You can also use topical creams or patches that contain ingredients like menthol, capsaicin, or lidocaine to numb the affected area and provide some relief.
- Physical therapy – Exercises, stretching, and strengthening can improve posture, flexibility, and muscle function. Physical therapy can also include modalities such as heat, ice, massage, or ultrasound to relieve muscle tension and spasms.
- Lifestyle modifications – Avoiding activities that worsen the symptoms, such as lifting, bending, or twisting, can prevent further injury or aggravation. Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and practicing good ergonomics can also reduce the stress on the spine and discs.
- Alternative therapies – Some people may benefit from acupuncture, chiropractic, or yoga to relieve pain and improve wellbeing.
Surgical Treatment
If conservative treatments do not provide enough relief or the condition worsens, surgery may be discussed and potentially recommended. Surgery for sciatica involves decompressing the nerve and reducing symptoms.
One of the most common types of surgery for sciatica is a microdiscectomy, which involves removing part of the herniated disc that is pressing on the nerve. This can relieve the pressure and reduce the inflammation and pain. Another type of surgery is a laminectomy, which involves removing part of the vertebra (the bone that surrounds the spinal cord) to create more space for the nerve. This can also relieve the compression and pain.
Prevention and Management
Sciatica can be prevented or managed by taking some simple steps, such as:
- Exercise regularly – Exercise can keep the spine and discs healthy, strong, and flexible. It can also prevent or reduce obesity, which is a risk factor for disc herniation. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week, and include a variety of aerobic, strength, and stretching exercises. Consult your doctor or physical therapist before starting any exercise program, especially if you have sciatica or other spinal problems.
- Maintain good posture – Good posture can keep the spine and discs in alignment and reduce the pressure on them. Avoid slouching, hunching, or leaning forward when sitting, standing, or working. Use a chair that provides support for your lower back, and set up your computer so it is at a comfortable distance and height. Take breaks frequently to adjust your position and stretch your muscles.
- Lift properly – Lifting heavy or awkward objects can cause or worsen a herniated disc. Make sure to use appropriate lifting techniques, especially bending your knees and keeping your spine straight. Don’t twist your body or lift above your shoulder level.
- Seek medical attention – If you have symptoms of sciatica, such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your back, buttock, or leg, do not ignore them. See your doctor or spine specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can prevent further damage and improve your recovery.
Patients who have had discectomies or less invasive microdiscectomies for herniated discs may experience sciatica if their discs reherniate, which often occurs if there is a large hole in the outer ring of the disc after surgery. Fortunately, there is a new treatment shown to reduce the risk of reherniation by closing the hole in the disc after a discectomy. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital. Barricaid was proven 95 percent effective in a study of over 500 patients, meaning 95 percent of patients did not experience a reoperation due to reherniation in the two-year study time frame.
To learn more about the Barricaid treatment, ask your doctor or contact us today.
For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.
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