Sciatica is a symptom. It consists of leg pain, which might feel like a bad leg cramp, or it can be excruciating, shooting pain that makes standing or sitting nearly impossible.
The pain might be worse when you sit, sneeze, or cough. Sciatica can occur suddenly or it can develop gradually. You might also feel weakness, numbness, or a burning or tingling sensation down your leg. Less common symptoms might include the inability to bend your knee or move your foot and toes.
Sciatica might be a symptom of a “pinched nerve” affecting one or more of the lower spinal nerves. The nerve might be pinched inside or outside of the spinal canal as it passes into the leg. Sciatica may also be felt by a herniated or slipped disc that causes pressure on a nerve root. Muscle spasms surrounding the nerve may also cause pain.
The goal of treatment is to decrease pain and increase mobility. Treatment most often includes limited rest (on a firm mattress or on the floor), physical therapy, and the use of medicine to treat pain and inflammation. A customized physical therapy exercise program might be developed.
Physiotherapy might be the best solution to fixing the problem ( in conjunction with some inflammatory medication). The goal of physical therapy is to find exercise movements that decrease sciatic pain by reducing pressure on the nerve. A program of exercise often includes stretching exercises to improve flexibility of tight muscles and aerobic exercise - such as walking. The therapist might also recommend exercises to strengthen the muscles of your back, abdomen, and legs.
Sciatic pain usually goes away with time and rest. Most people with sciatica (80 percent to 90 percent) will get better without surgery. About half of affected individuals recover from an episode within six weeks. Chronic (ongoing and lasting) pain is a complication of untreated sciatica. If the “pinched nerve” is seriously injured, chronic muscle weakness, such as a “drop foot,” might occur. If sciatica goes untreated for long periods of time, surgery might be the only solution to decrease pain.
To prevent sciatica or nerve symptoms, practice proper lifting techniques. Lift with your back straight, bringing yourself up with your hips and legs, and holding the object close to your chest. Use this technique for lifting everything, no matter how light. Exercise regularly to strengthen the muscles of your back and abdomen, which work to support your spine. And use good posture when sitting, standing, and sleeping. Good posture helps to relieve the pressure on your lower back.
Natalie is the founder of THE ART OF BODY - a health services company in Bali that features personal training, pilates and physio. As a health consultant with years of experience in Canada and USA, she currently lives as a personal trainer in Bali. For further inquiries please visit : www.theartofbody.com or e-mail : ns@theartofbody.com or 081 2389 0999.
