Pinched Sciatic Nerve

Spinal disc problems can lead to sever pain and discomfort. An irritation of the sciatic nerve caused by a disc bulge or herniated disc leads to severe lower back pain and leg pain. In severe cases, it can cause the nerve to become 'trapped' or 'pinched'. This condition is often called a 'slipped disc' but actually discs can't slip, they are firmly fixed above and below.

Large bones or vertebrae of the spine are separated from each other by spinal discs that work as shock absorbers. The spinal cord splits into different nerves. The nerve running down the back of your thigh and calf is called sciatic nerve and the condition wherein severe leg pain due to an injury to the nerve is experienced in the leg is named as sciatica. Pinched or irritated sciatic nerve leads to sharp pain in leg and foot, sometimes even in lower back.

Sciatic Nerve Pain

Causes

• Lumbar spondylosis: Movement of one vertebra on the other causing irritation of the sciatic nerve.
• Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal leading to nerve root irritation.
• Spinal disc disease: Dehydration or wear and tear of discs along with aging, leading to sciatica and back pain.
• Muscle strain: Excessive work for muscles may create pressure on the nerve.
• Piriformis syndrome: A muscle located in the buttocks (the piriformis muscle) contracts and irritates the nerve.
• Osteoarthritis of the spine: Broken bits of cartilage float around inside the spinal joints causing irritation, inflammation and pressure on the nerve.

Symptoms
The pinched sciatic nerve may exhibit some or all the following symptoms.

• Pain in leg and buttock
• Pain in foot
• Pain in lower back
• Pins and needles in the leg or foot
• Numbness in the leg or foot.
• Foot drop or a feeling of weakness in the leg or foot

Treatment
Sciatic nerve pain treatment mainly includes exercises and medication to relieve nerve pain. Prompt consultation with a physician is necessary to determine the underlying cause of sciatica. Anti-inflammatory medication, analgesics and some form of 'exercise' are usually suggested.

Over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen help get rid of both, pain and inflammation due to trapped nerve. Severe acute sciatica is usually treated with codeine preparations and/or muscle relaxants. Corticosteroids injections into the spinal fluid around the affected area help alleviate severe pain fast.

Exercises to release sciatic nerve pain include stretching muscles in the back, buttocks and hamstrings (muscles in the back of the thigh) and these can relieve pinched nerve pain quickly. Low impact aerobic exercises like walking, swimming and riding a stationary bike increase circulation and promote healing. Let surgery be the last option. The type of surgery will depend upon the cause of sciatica.

Bed rest for a couple of days may help alleviate acute and sharp nerve pain. But it may not promote complete recovery. Physical inactivity leads to weakening of muscles. Ab muscles and back muscles support and protect the joints of the spine. Exercises strengthen these muscles as they help increase blood circulation and promote healing. Specially, designed 'pinched sciatic nerve stretches' can loosen tight muscles and increase spaces between the vertebrae, allowing more room for the spinal nerves. Applying ice or heat, using good mattress and chair, correcting the sitting and sleeping postures, massage, avoiding heavy lifting, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, are some other precautionary measures to prevent sciatica from recurring.

If you notice any of the symptoms, mentioned above, then you should immediately consult a physician. He may prescribe medication and may suggest appropriate exercises. To reduce the risk of sciatica, you should keep the back muscles strong and flexible. Regular exercises also help slow down age-related degenerative changes in the spine and thus, can help prevent sciatica from recurring. An individualized exercise program can be designed by a physiotherapist, taking into consideration specific condition of the patient and the particular cause of sciatic nerve pain.