What is Sciatica?
Sciatica
The sciatica nerve is in your spine and has many nerve endings. When it becomes irritated by something it can cause tingling and leg pain. It is usually felt in the lower back and runs down just below the knee. The sciatic nerve is the biggest nerve in the body and is found in the lower back area. The nerve roots in the lower back extend down to the buttock area so it can send nerves to the lower half of the body.
Characteristics of Sciatica Nerve Pain
Several symptoms associated with pain that starts in the lower back at the site of the sciatic nerve. There are those who have constant pain on a side of their back, leg, or buttock. It is very uncommon for pain in both legs. The pain will tend to get worse when sitting. Many experience tingling or burning sensations instead of intense pain. There are still others that experience numbness or weakness in one leg. Some will even have difficulty moving the foot or leg that got affected. Common between these is a constant pain that runs down one side only beginning at the rear. This pain is so sharp that it can make it difficult for people to walk or even stand up. This pain is infrequent or constant and may leave some people incapacitated because of the intense pain. The symptoms are very different depending on the type, site, and severity, which all depends on what is causing the sciatica.
Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica can occur any time that the sciatic nerve somehow gets pinched. One common cause is a herniated disk in the spine. Bone spurs on the vertebrae are also another very common cause of sciatica. Tumors that put pressure on the nerves can occasionally cause it. It can also be caused by damage that gets done to the nerve because of separate conditions like diabetes. Anything in your back that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause sciatica.
Who is at Risk for Sciatica?
Some people are at more of a risk than other for developing sciatica. Pain is because of someone's age. Degeneration of the spine occurs as you get older. The elderly are also more likely to get a bone spur or herniated disk. Obesity can increase stress and pressure on the spine. Extra body weight can cause changes to the spine that cause sciatica. Your occupation can put you at risk for sciatica as well especially if you do tasks that require twisting of the back and carrying heavy objects. Driving for an extended period could contribute to sciatica. Those that must sit for extremely long periods of time and do not move around much are more likely to develop sciatica compared to someone who leads a more active lifestyle. Diabetes affects how the body regulates and uses sugar which can affect the sciatic nerve as well.
Diagnosing Sciatica
A Spinal doctor in Düsseldorf will conduct a regular physical and during the process check for muscle strength and reflexes. Sciatica will become worse if trying to do certain tasks like squatting, or walking on the toes or heels. If someone with sciatica gets asked to get on their back and try to raise one leg or the other up in the air it will often cause excruciating pain. A simple x-ray is able to prove whether sciatica is the culprit, or an MRI or CT scan can also be used to find the main cause of pain.
Characteristics of Sciatica Nerve Pain
Several symptoms associated with pain that starts in the lower back at the site of the sciatic nerve. There are those who have constant pain on a side of their back, leg, or buttock. It is very uncommon for pain in both legs. The pain will tend to get worse when sitting. Many experience tingling or burning sensations instead of intense pain. There are still others that experience numbness or weakness in one leg. Some will even have difficulty moving the foot or leg that got affected. Common between these is a constant pain that runs down one side only beginning at the rear. This pain is so sharp that it can make it difficult for people to walk or even stand up. This pain is infrequent or constant and may leave some people incapacitated because of the intense pain. The symptoms are very different depending on the type, site, and severity, which all depends on what is causing the sciatica.
Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica can occur any time that the sciatic nerve somehow gets pinched. One common cause is a herniated disk in the spine. Bone spurs on the vertebrae are also another very common cause of sciatica. Tumors that put pressure on the nerves can occasionally cause it. It can also be caused by damage that gets done to the nerve because of separate conditions like diabetes. Anything in your back that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause sciatica.
Who is at Risk for Sciatica?
Some people are at more of a risk than other for developing sciatica. Pain is because of someone's age. Degeneration of the spine occurs as you get older. The elderly are also more likely to get a bone spur or herniated disk. Obesity can increase stress and pressure on the spine. Extra body weight can cause changes to the spine that cause sciatica. Your occupation can put you at risk for sciatica as well especially if you do tasks that require twisting of the back and carrying heavy objects. Driving for an extended period could contribute to sciatica. Those that must sit for extremely long periods of time and do not move around much are more likely to develop sciatica compared to someone who leads a more active lifestyle. Diabetes affects how the body regulates and uses sugar which can affect the sciatic nerve as well.
Diagnosing Sciatica
A Spinal doctor in Düsseldorf will conduct a regular physical and during the process check for muscle strength and reflexes. Sciatica will become worse if trying to do certain tasks like squatting, or walking on the toes or heels. If someone with sciatica gets asked to get on their back and try to raise one leg or the other up in the air it will often cause excruciating pain. A simple x-ray is able to prove whether sciatica is the culprit, or an MRI or CT scan can also be used to find the main cause of pain.