What is sciatica?

What is sciatica can be understood and explained when looking at the sciatica causes.  Sciatica is most commonly a symptom of a pinched nerve.  This symptom normally affects one or more of the nerves in the lower spine. As the nerve passes through the leg, it can be pinched either inside or outside of the spinal canal.

The causes of sciatica or in other words what sciatica is can generally be explained by the following conditions:

-         A herniated or a slipped disc, which results in additional pressure on the nerve root. This is the most typical sciatica cause.

-         Piriformis syndrome. Such a syndrome appears when the piriformis muscle, which is a small muscle in the buttocks, gets spasms, or becomes tight. This condition may put pressure and irritate the sciatic nerve.

-         Spinal stenosis that may result from the spinal canal narrowing, which also puts pressure on the sciatic nerve.

-         Spondylolisthesis, or in other words a slippage of one of the vertebra is what causes sciatica as well. In this case the slipped vertebra is out of line with the one above and it narrows the nerve exit opening.

The question “what is sciatica” is not difficult for scientists to answer today. Sciatica is a symptom that includes pain in the leg that might have a similar feeling as that of a leg cramp. It can also be extremely painful and excruciating, making standing or sitting virtually impossible.

Sciatica can be diagnosed by the doctor after looking into the complete medical history, concentrating on the symptoms that might indicate the condition. A physical examination is also required to identify sciatica and understand the cause.  There is also a possibility that the doctor might insist on performing other tests, such as: an X-ray to make sure there are no fractures in the spine; magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI; computer tomography, or CT scan will help create an image of the back structure.

Nerve conduction velocity studies or electromyography are used to examine if the electrical impulses travel through the sciatic nerve in a proper way. In order to determine whether the vertebra or the disc is what causing the pain a myelogram using dye may be injected.

When mentioning treatment for sciatica, there are two main aims that need to be achieved: decreasing pain and increasing mobility. Limited rest, physical therapy, and pain relieving and anti-inflammatory medications are most often used as a part of the treatment.

Medication that helps to get rid of pain and inflammation allows for the mobility and exercise to increase. There are a number of over-the-counter drugs available, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. If the patient is suffering from muscle spasm, muscle relaxants, for example, cyclobenzaprine can be prescribed to relief the discomfort that it causes.

An important role in treating sciatica is played by physical therapy. It helps to reduce pressure on the nerve and therefore decreases the sciatic pain. A physical exercise program should include the movements that best suit every individual.

Depending in the severity of the condition other treatments, as spinal injections, surgery, microdiscectomy, and laminectomy are available.