Ever wonder where sciatica pain comes from? Sciatica Pain Felt by at a reported forty percent of people at least once during their life time, sciatica pain can be excruciating and incapacitating for some. Severe burning sensations, deeply throbbing aches, or sharp stabbing pains experienced by individuals stems from irritation of the sciatic nerve. This nerve follows a path beginning at the base of the spine, runs through the buttocks and continues through the leg and calf before ending in the foot. Sciatica pain can occur anywhere along the route of the sciatic nerve. The most common type of sciatica pain is felt in the buttocks and radiates down the back of one leg, but others have complained of deep aches in the calves and feet as well. The pain can worsen when standing after sitting for a long period of time. Possible Causes of Sciatica Pain While there are many causes of sciatica pain, the common factor they share is that somehow the sciatic nerve is being irritated. Most commonly, a spinal disc has shifted and is being compressed, causing pressure on the sciatic nerve. This condition is referred to a herniated or bulging disc. Another cause may be spasms in the piriformis muscle that is located in the hip, again putting pressure on the nerve. Less common causes include spinal stenosis, a narrowing of openings in the spine, cancer, and infection. Many times diagnosing the cause of the sciatica can make for a more effective treatment. Relieving the Pain Treating sciatica pain can be as simple as taking ibuprofen and doing some simple stretches. Milder bouts of sciatica pain can benefit from the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen reduce inflammation around the sciatic nerve which decreases the pressure and relieves the pain. Heat compresses and ice packs often can provide some relief as well. Both heat and ice help muscle spasms which in turn can ease some of the pressure on the sciatic nerve. Gentle stretching can also provide some relief from the pain, but it is important to discontinue the movement if it causes any pain. Sometimes self treatment is not enough and the sciatica pain persists. A medical professional can prescribe more potent NSAIDs or if this does not provide enough pain relief, a brief burst of oral steroids can be prescribed. Steroids such as prednisone can give dramatic results, but long term use can cause other health problems. For very severe pain, steroids can be administered as an epidural. Introducing the steroid directly into the spine can ease pain quickly and last longer. Depending on the cause of the sciatica, surgery may be recommended. In the case of osteoarthritis, bone spurs can form and narrow the spinal canal. Removal of the bone spurs can ease the pressure on the sciatic nerve and relieve the pain. How long will the pain last? Many individuals report they have been able to resume normal activities within one to two months. Sciatica pain seems to peak within the first couple of weeks then gradually decreases. It is not unusual, however, to experience set backs with the pain getting worse before it gets better. |
