Sciatica—the silent threat

If you feel a tingling sensation or numbness and weakness which runs from the lower back down to the back of the leg through the buttock, then you might be suffering from sciatica. This disease affects the sciatic nerve which happens to be the largest nerve in the human body. It is a nerve dysfunction as a result of compression of one or more nerve roots by a spinal disc herniation. 

Constant pain in one side of the buttock or leg, weakness and numbness or difficulty in standing or walking, a sharp pain while beginning to stand up or walk—all are symptoms of sciatica. Pain is typically described as sharp or searing, rather than dull. Some people experience a "pins-and-needles" sensation, numbness or weakness, or a prickling sensation down the leg. 
While rarely occurring in one’s 20s, the chance of sciatica increases when one crosses 50.

Why sciatica happens?

The causes of sciatica are myriad: Lumbar Disc Herniation , disc degeneration (from old age), natural aging of the spine and irritation of the sciatic nerve from the piriformis muscle or sacroiliac joint. 
The narrowing of the spinal canal (also called Lumbar spinal steno sis) can also trigger sciatic pain. It can also occur due to a stress fracture. Other factors like pregnancy, muscle strain, spinal tumor and 
infection of the lower back can lead to sciatica. 

Who are at risk?

People experiencing age-related changes to the spine (such as arthritis-related degenerating discs) are at a high risk of contracting sciatica. Obese people with excess weight (especially in the abdomen) are also at risk since their spine faces greater stress. A lifestyle centered on sitting for long hours creates circumstances for the occurrence of sciatica.


  

The strategy against sciatica 

 Since each patient has his own needs and preferences, any treatment strategy must operate on an individual basis. The good news is that most people who suffer from this disease get better within a few months and find solution from non-surgical treatment plans. 
It is best to consult professional help right from the beginning so as to prevent complications caused by self-treatment and self-negligence.  

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