The Buyt Desk
Sciatica is a common problem, and around 40% of the US population experience this painful condition once in a lifetime. India is no different. A large population suffers from this disorder, and it is more prevalent in females.
Know, more about sciatica, why it happens, and how to treat it.
What is Sciatica?
Pain in the nerve due to injury or irritation to the nerve. This nerve is the thickest and longest in the body. It originates from the buttock/gluteal area and continues down the leg. Sciatica is any injury to the nerve. People who suffer from it experience mild to severe pain along the length of the nerve. It can also cause weakness in the leg and foot muscles. People also complain about numbness in the leg and irritating pin and needle sensation in the foot, toes and leg.
What are the Causes of Sciatica?
Sciatica can happen due to different medical conditions. The top five are
A Slipped or Herniated Disk – This is the most common reason for sciatica. The problem causes pressure on the nerve root. The disk is the cushioning pad present between each vertebrate of the spine. The extra pressure in the vertebrate area causes the gel-like substance in the disk to bulge via a weakness in its outer wall. When it happens to a vertebrate in the lower back, it presses the sciatica nerve.
Spinal Stenosis – The spinal canal begins to narrow down naturally. The narrowing of space reduces the space for nerves and the spinal cord, which suppresses sciatica never.
Spondylolisthesis – In this condition, one vertebra slips and go out of line with the one above it. It narrows the line where the nerves exist. The extended bone pinches the sciatic nerve.
Pregnancy – During the second and third trimesters of pregnancy weight shifts, due to which ligaments in the body lose their strength. It puts pressure on the sciatic nerve indirectly.
Trauma – The nerve is vulnerable to damage because of an injury or accident that hit the buttock or lower body part. The incidents like car accidents, sports injuries, or accidental falls may lead to sciatica.
The Common Symptoms of Sciatica
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Pain in the lower back, buttock or down the leg. It can be moderate to severe.
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Feeling of numbness in feet, the leg, buttock or lower back.
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Loss of movement or pain worsens when there is movement.
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Feeling of pins and needles in feet, toes or legs.
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Loss of control over bowel and bladder movement.
Some causes of sciatica are not preventable, like accidents and pregnancy. However, one can stay protected from pain by maintaining a good posture, a healthy diet, and fitness.
