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Low back sciatica: Facts and Myths

By: Walter Kopal

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What is lower back sciatica? What is lower back sciatica? The term sciatica explains the symptoms of leg pain and possibly itchy, numbness or weakness that travels from the low back through the buttock and down the large sciatic nerve in the back of the leg. The scientific diagnosis of sciatica is referred to as a "radiculopathy", which means merely that a disc has projected from its regular location in the vertebral column and is laying pressure on the radicular nerve in the lower back, which creates section of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is created by the nerve roots coming out of the spinal cord into the lower back.

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body, approximately the diameter of a finger. An important thing to realize is that sciatica is a indication of a problem -- of something compressing or frustrating the nerve roots that comprises the sciatic nerve. Sciatica happens most commonly in people among 30 and 50 years of age. It leans to grow as a result of general deterioration on the structures of the lower spine.

Most sciatica pain syndromes result from inflammation and will get improved within two weeks to a few months. Also, since the spinal cord is not present in the lower (lumbar) spine, a herniated disc in this part of the anatomy does not present a risk of paralysis.

# Progressive weakness in the leg
# Bladder/bowel incontinence or dysfunction

Often there is not a precise distressing event or action associated with the beginning of sciatica. Standing, sitting, heavy lifting, sneezing, or having a bowel movement may exaggerate the pain. Lying down is commonly the most relaxed position. Rarely parenthesis, weakness and diminished bowel or bladder function will be associated with sciatica, but these are occasional symptoms. Sciatica causes pain, burning sensation, numbness, or stinging radiating from the lower back and upper buttock down the back of the thigh to the back of the leg. Severe sciatica can make walking difficult if not impossible. Sometimes the symptoms of sciatica are aggravated by walking or bending at the waist and relieved by lying down.

True sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve is pinched or irritated and the pain down the sciatic nerve is caused by this nerve (radicular pain) and is called a radiculopathy. When the pain is referred to the leg from a joint problem (called referred pain), using the phrase sciatica is not technically right. Nerve root tension tests can be used to confirm the occurrence of sciatica by trying to reproduce the soreness with certain actions and body positions. These tests are carried out by a doctor and include moving the legs in certain ways that slightly extend the sciatic nerve. Physical therapy and a home program of stretching and strengthening exercises are very useful in letting a patient to return to full activity.

The lifetime prevalence of low back pain is 50-70%, and 5-10% of patients with low back pain have sciatica. For the initial few days it is really essential to stay off your feet to the extent that possible. The worst thing you can do is get up and down frequently as this causes the nerve to become more aggravated. Although soaking in warm baths relieve and ease the pain, do not use heating pads at first while the nerve is inflamed. Extended heat draws the tenderness in, keeping the swelling high. Most doctors tell their patients to apply ice packs directly on the lower back region for about twenty minutes at a time, every couple of hours. Although this can sense like torture, the cold pack helps reduce swelling. Mineral ice is also great at soothing the pain and offering short-term relief. There are some unusual treatments available that you might find supportive. Acupressure and acupuncture, herbal therapies, homeopathy and biofeedback and guided imagery are just a few.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

If you'd like to read about Sciatica medicine please visit back pain sciatic nerve website or Low back pain sciatica.

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