3 Healthy You: a guide to well-being Dealingwithsciatica Mostpeople can overcome the painful conditionover time •Degenerative disc METRONEWS SERVICE T


he largest nerve in the human body is the sciatic nerve, which originates in


the lower back and travels through the back of each leg. Injury or pressure on this nerve can lead to a type of pain known as sciatica. Sciatica can have an


adverse effect on everyday life, causing pain that can radiate fromthe lower back through the hips and buttocks and down the legs. People experiencing pain in these areas should consult a physician immediately, as the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons notes that between 80 and 90 per cent of people diagnosedwith sciatica get better over timewithout surgery.Many typically feel betterwithin severalweeks of beginning treatment. The first step toward


diagnosing sciatica begins at home. Peoplewho learn to recognize potential symptoms of sciaticamay bemore likely to seek immediate treatment than thosewho mightmistake their pain for something else.


What are the symptoms of sciatica? The AAOS notes that sciaticamay


feel like a bad leg cramp that lasts for weeks before it goes away. According to Spine-health.com, a property of the health publisherVeritasHealth, sciatica pain is often described as burning, tingling or searing as opposed to a dull ache. In addition, pain resulting fromsciaticamay be worsewhen sitting, even though sharp pain associatedwith sciatica canmake it difficult to stand up or walk.Numbness characterized by a “pins and needles” feeling,weakness


disease:Discs in the back can degenerate naturally with age and never contribute to a problem like sciatica.However, degeneration in one or more discs in the lower back can sometimes irritate a nerve root and lead to sciatica. • Isthmic


spondylolisthesis:This occurswhen a small stress fracture allowers one vertebral body to slip forward on another.The combination of collapsing disc space, a fracture and the slipping forward of the vertebral body can pinch the nerve and cause sciatica. • Lumbar spinal


stenosis: In this condition,which is relatively common among people older than 60, a narrowing of the spinal canal can contribute to sciatica. • Piriformis syndrome:


Amuscle found deep within the buttocks, the piriformis connects the lower spine to the upper


or a burning or tingling sensation down the leg are some additional symptoms of sciatica.


Does sciatica affect both legs? WebMDnotes that sciatica usually


affects only one leg, though the buttock or leg on the affected side may feel like it is in constant pain.


What causes sciatica? Spine-health.comnotes that the


following five lower back problems are among themost common causes of sciatica: • Lumber herniated disc:This


occurswhen the soft innermaterial of the disc herniates, or leaks out, through the fibrous outer core, irritating or pinching the nerve root.


thighbone, running directly over the sciatic nerve. Spasms in the piriformis can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, triggering sciatica.


Treating sciatica Sciatica often can be treated


successfullywithout surgery.Doctors may recommend applying heat and/or ice packs for acute sciatic pain. In addition, over-the-counter and prescription painmedications can effectively reduce or relieve sciatic pain.Doctors alsomay explore other treatments, including chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture,massage therapy, and surgery. More information about sciatica


can be found at www.orthoinfo.aaos.org.


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