Sciatic Nerve Problems

The sciatic nerve also referred to, as the ischiatic nerve is a large nerve in the human body. Several nerve roots leave the spinal cord and exit through holes in the sacrum which combine to form the sciatic nerve, which then passes between layers of the buttock muscles into the deep muscles of the back of the thigh. The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest single nerve in the body, which supplies almost the entire skin of the leg, the muscles of the back of the thigh, and those of the leg and foot.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatic nerve problems refer to a condition called sciatica, which is characterized by pain, tingling, or numbness produced by an irritation of the nerve roots that lead to the sciatic nerve. Thus simply put, sciatica is the inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which is marked by pain and tenderness along the course of the nerve through the thigh and leg.

Symptoms of Sciatic Nerve Problems

Symptoms of sciatic nerve problems include, pain starting in the buttocks and extending down the rear of the thigh or to the lower leg and the sole of the foot. Pain in the lower back may also persist. Other symptoms of sciatic nerve problems include weakness, tingling, or numbness in the leg. It is always better to consult a physician at the onset of these symptoms.

Diagnosis of Sciatic Nerve Problems

Medical analysis of your symptoms can be the first mode of diagnosis of sciatic nerve problems. Mostly the doctors will diagnose the problems from the symptoms. However, in certain cases, some additional tests are required for diagnosis. The commonly used tests, which are used to confirm the diagnosis, are X-ray tests and magnetic resonance imaging tests.

Causes of Sciatic Nerve Problems

• There are several causes of sciatic nerve problems. A bulging lumbar disc is one of the reasons for sciatic nerve problems. In this case, the gel-like center, which is called the nucleus pulposus, remains 'contained' within the outer wall of the disc. On the other hand, a case of herniated disc occurs when the nucleus breaks through the annulus. In both the cases, disc material can press against an adjacent nerve root and compress the delicate nerve tissue. This can cause sciatic nerve inflammation called sciatica.
• Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, which is a nerve compression disorder, is also one of the major causes of sciatic nerve problems that are more common in old age.
• Spondylolisthesis, which is a disorder affecting the lumbar spine is also one of the causes of sciatic leg pain. Spondylolisthesis is either acquired at birth or caused by spinal degeneration or physical stress. Sciatic nerve problems can also be a result of direct nerve compression caused by external forces to the lumbar or sacral spinal nerve roots.
• The Piriformis Syndrome is named after the piriformis muscle, which is located in the lower part of the spine and connects to the thighbone and assists in hip rotation. Sciatic pain is the result of irritation of the sciatic muscle by the piriformis muscle.

Treatment of Sciatic Nerve Problems

Most of the time, sciatic nerve problems heal with time. The primary treatment for sciatic nerve problems includes medicines and exercises to relieve pain. Using a cold pack on the middle of the lower back can also provide some relief from pain. Short walks can be another option in this regard. However, the walking distance should be increased gradually. Drugs used for the treatment include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition to this, physical therapy or even surgery might be suggested in severe cases.