Sciatica is a common condition that causes pain in the back and buttocks. It is caused by a herniated disc that presses on a nerve in the lower back. Most cases of sciatica resolve with time and self-care treatments. If the pain persists, patients may need to see a doctor or physical therapist. Sciatica is caused by an irritated, inflamed, or compressed nerve root. The sciatic nerve - the bodies longest and thickest - begins in the buttock area and runs down the lower back, legs, and feet. Its main job is to connect the spinal cord to the skin and muscles of the lumbar spine. If something irritates or inflames this nerve, individuals may experience pain that radiates down one leg (referred pain). The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc in the lumbar spine. This happens when the soft, clear material inside a spinal disk bulges out or spills over the edges of a disc. Another risk factor for Sciatica is a narrowing of the spinal canal called spinal stenosis. This occurs with age as the disks naturally wear down, causing them to shorten their height and narrowing the space for the nerves to pass through. Some other conditions that can cause sciatica are degenerative disk disease, spondylolisthesis, and osteoarthritis of the spine. These all wear down the cartilage that separates the vertebrae and compress the nerve roots. Sciatica is characterized by pain that begins in the lower back and travels down one or both legs. It can also affect the foot and toes. Usually, sciatica symptoms get better in 4 to 6 weeks. However, they can last longer. The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. Herniated disks occur when the gel-like interior of the disc leaks out and irritates the nerve. Herniated discs or spinal stenosis can be diagnosed by an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Other conditions that can cause sciatica include bone spurs or tumors on the vertebrae in the lower spine, or nerves that have become diseased due to another medical condition. The diagnosis is made by a health care provider who examines the patient and records their history. They may ask about the distribution of the leg pain, how often the pain occurs, and what relieves it. The best way to treat Sciatica is with time, self-care, and the help of a healthcare provider. The provider can confirm the cause of the pain and recommend other treatment options or refer patients to other spine health specialists if necessary. The doctor will start by asking about the symptoms and lifestyle. They will also want to know if individuals have any other medical conditions that might be causing the pain. In some cases, Sciatica is caused by a problem in the lower back, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. It may also be triggered by diabetes, which affects the way the body uses blood sugar. If the pain does not respond to over-the-counter medications or self-care measures, such as ice and heat, or if it gets worse after a few weeks, it’s time to see the doctor. The healthcare provider can prescribe pain relievers and steroid injections into the lower back to reduce inflammation and irritation of the nerve.
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