DESCRIPTION:
Sciatica is a form of nerve pain that may be felt anywhere
along the course of one of the sciatic nerves, the two largest nerves in the
body and the main nerve in each leg. In most cases, the pain, usually in the
legs, disappears gradually within one to two weeks, but it may recur. Most
people have at least one episode of sciatica during their lifetime.
How does sciatica develop?
In some cases, the cause of sciatica is unknown. However, the most common cause for people between the ages of 20 and 40 is a prolapsed or herniated disc in the spinal column that presses on a spinal nerve root. A prolapsed disk may often occur as a result of straining to lift a heavy object. In older people, sciatica may be caused by body changes in the spine as a result of various conditions, such as osteoarthritis. Pregnant women may develop sciatica during the last few months of pregnancy due to postural changes that cause increased pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Muscle spasm and sitting in an awkward position for long periods of time are relatively common causes of brief episodes of sciatica in all age groups. Pain occurs when the nerve is damaged or compressed, usually where it leaves the spinal cord. Often, only one leg is affected. In rare cases, sciatica is the result of a tumor on the spinal cord. Sciatica may also be due to ligament laxity in the sacroiliac joint, which can cause radiating pain down the side of the leg, as well as numbness, a symptom that has traditionally been attributed only to nerve injury.
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
The symptoms of sciatica vary widely, from a mild tingling
sensation to pain severe enough to cause immobility. Some people experience
sharp pain in one part of the leg or hip and numbness elsewhere. The pain may
increase after prolonged standing or sitting, or be aggravated by sneezing,
coughing or laughing. Symptoms may develop either gradually or suddenly, and
may also include a sharp, needlelike sensation running from the buttocks down
the side of the leg; pain that extends down the back of the leg to the knee;
tingling or numbness in the foot; muscle weakness; and tenderness to palpation
over the sciatic nerve. Muscle weakness may make it difficult to lift the foot
on the affected side. Some people, especially the elderly, may have difficulty
walking.
Conventional medical treatments may help relieve the symptoms
of sciatica, but they do not address the root of the problem.
By strengthening structural weaknesses in the body, as natural medicine treatments
like Prolotherapy do,
pain associated with sciatica may be alleviated permanently.
Discover why we believe that natural medicine treatments
are the best way to treat sciatica.
