Sciatica
FAQ's For Sciatica
Sciatica patients often benefit from walking, yoga and other forms of light exercise.
Acute symptoms of sciatica usually last between 1-2 weeks.
Any OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil) will help with sciatic pain.
Poor posture habits and an unhealthy BMI can exacerbate symptoms of sciatica.
The sciatic nerve branches from the lower back through the hips and buttocks down each of the legs. Hence, sciatica can cause pain in any area along this nerve, including the buttocks.
Sciatica refers to a condition which causes pain along the sciatic nerve, and commonly affects only one side of the body. The sciatic nerve branches from the lower back through the hips and buttocks down each of the legs.
Common symptoms of sciatica include:
Pain that radiates from the lower (lumbar) spine to the buttock and down the back of the leg
Discomfort anywhere along the sciatic nerve pathway
Pain that can range from a mild ache to a sharp burning sensation, often excruciating in patients with severe sciatica
Numbness, tingling or muscle weakness
There are several factors that contribute to what triggers sciatica. Some of the most common risk factors include:
Age—Age-related changes in the spine like a herniated disc or bone spurs
Obesity—Morbidly high BMI causes stress on the spine and results in sciatic nerve pain in the back
Occupation—Certain jobs that require a person to twist the spine, carry heavy loads or stay seated for long periods of time
Prolonged sitting—Those having a sedentary lifestyle can risk having sciatica in the hip
Diabetes—Increases the risk of nerve damage
The best thing for sciatica is often self-relief measures like cold or hot compresses, OTC pain relievers, and stretching. However, if these do not prove useful, a doctor may suggest the following ways to treat sciatica:
Medications like anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, narcotics, tricyclic antidepressants and anti-seizure medications
Physical therapy
Steroid injections
Surgery
Medications like anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, narcotics, tricyclic antidepressants and anti-seizure medications
Physical therapy
Steroid injections
Surgery
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