Sciatica: What is it?

1. Sciatica: What is it? Back pain is a common ailment that affects people of all ages. If you perform some kind of repetitive work that involves putting a lot of stress on your back, you are bound to have some sort of back pain. However, not all back pain is caused due to work or trauma. Sometimes it is the result of a different problem. A prime example of this is Sciatica which is a condition that causes a radiating pain in the lower back, hips and the back of the leg. It is a result of the compression of the sciatic nerve which runs from the lower back through the hips and down both of your legs. What Are Its Symptoms? One of the most telling symptoms of sciatica is the radiating pain which originates from the lower back and goes all the way down to the back of the leg. The severity of this pain can range from a mild ache to a sharp, shooting pain similar to a jolt of electricity. You might feel a tingling sensation in your buttocks and the underside of your thighs and calves. Some people also complain of weakness in their legs which is accompanied by numbness. Sciatica usually affects one side of the body.

2. What Are Its Causes? The main cause of sciatica or sciatic pain is the pinching of the sciatic nerve. This compression can be down to a number of different reasons. For instance, if you have a herniated disk in your spinal column then it will apply unnecessary pressure on the nerve. Moreover, having a bone spur on the vertebrae can also pressurize the nerve, resulting in its compression. In some rare cases, tumours are behind the pinching of the sciatic nerve. There are certain risk factors that increase a person’s chances of contracting this condition. These risk factors include obesity, having a sedentary lifestyle, being diabetic and old age. Treatments for Sciatica Painkillers don’t offer much pain relief to patients of sciatica. Instead, performing some form of regular exercise is one of the best treatments for managing sciatic pain. You can find pain relief by doing back stretches and continuing your daily routine activities. Moreover, maintaining proper posture while sitting can also help in preventing sciatica. Head Above Osteopathy is an osteopathy and pain management clinic based in Brisbane. Contact us immediately if you are suffering from sciatica and want to find quick and long-term pain relief.