Sciatic Nerve Damage

Sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body which originates from the lower pelvic region and runs through the buttock and down the lower limb. Many a time it has been found that the discs which protect the spinal cord may protrude from its original position, and as such pressure is exerted on the sciatic nerve. Due to this pressure, you feel a pain on the lower back or the thighs, and this is commonly called sciatica. Sciatica is actually a symptom which is caused due to disorder in the lumbar spine. Usually sciatic nerve damage is caused due to sudden injury to the spinal cord. Moreover, it may also be caused due to continuous wear and tear of the lower spine.

Sciatic Nerve Damage Symptoms

The most common symptom of sciatic nerve damage is infrequent and irritating back pain, which may get worse over time. If there is severe damage to the nerve, back pain may be severe and debilitating. In very rare circumstances, the sciatic nerve may be damaged permanently. Moreover, if your sciatic nerve is damaged, your legs may become weak, and in some cases bowel or bladder dysfunction may occur. Additionally, you may get a numbness and tingling sensation which starts in the lower portion of the back and extends to the back of the leg through the buttocks. If you get any of these symptoms along with pain at the back, you may need to undergo surgery. Most of the sciatica symptoms are a result of inflammation of the sciatic nerve, and as such it's necessary to take measures to reduce such inflammation. The other symptoms include pain in one part of the leg which worsens while you sit and sharp pain while standing or walking.

Sciatic Nerve Damage Treatment

There are basically two treatment options for sciatic nerve damage: non-surgical and surgical. Most people recover from this condition without a surgery, but in severe cases, surgery may be required. Non-surgical sciatica treatment at home includes bed rest and physiotherapy, use of heat or ice packs and applying over the counter medications. The patient is advised adequate rest so that the back does not feel any kind of pressure. Applying heat or ice packs, may also help in reducing inflammation, thereby alleviating the pain. You need to apply ice or heat pack for at least half an hour everyday, and continue the process every two to three hours.

Other than ice and heat packs, there are several over-the-counter medications available, which you can use for sciatica pain relief. There are several anti-inflammatory ointments, besides oral steroids which can also be used. In case of severe pain, a patient may be given epidural steroid injection, so that the swelling is reduced. Usually such injections are given, to provide temporary relief from pain. On the other hand, patients may perform sciatica pain relief exercises for long-lasting relief from pain. If all these treatment options don't work, surgery may be required. Surgery is done to repair the dislocated disc, which is responsible for compressed sciatic nerve.

Sciatic Nerve Damage Recovery Time

The recovery period depends on the severity of the condition. Usually recovery time ranges from two to four weeks, but only if you rest completely. In case surgery is required, it may take about a month or two for complete recovery. Many a time it has been found that people don't like to rest all the time, and so move around, and that's when the condition may aggravate.

These were the sciatic nerve damage symptoms and treatment options. If you suffer from sciatica, it's always better to take adequate rest to get relief from pain. Once the pain subsides, follow a regular exercise regimen in consultation with your doctor.