Sciatica, also called lumbar radiculopathy is a nerve pain arising from the nates or gluteal region caused by spinal nerve irritation along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs down to the leg, ends just below the knee, and branches into other nerves. It’s the body’s longest and thickest (almost sizing to a finger in width) nerve.

Sciatica is a known term, but many people are unaware that it is not a diagnosis but a symptom of an underlying spinal condition. The pain can vary substantially, from a mild ache to a sharp sting or agonizing discomfort. At times it can feel like a jostle or electric shock. It can worsen when you wheeze or sniffle, and long sitting can inflate symptoms. Typically, only one leg is distressed. Some cases of insensibility, pricking, or muscle weakness in the sore leg or foot is also observed.

What causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is a common health problem in people between 30 and 50 years. Even though most people recuperate from Sciatica without getting treated, it can often cause permanent nerve damage. Below are the five common causes of Sciatica:

A herniated or slipped disc
1. Disks are the cushioning pads between each vertebra of the spinal column. The lumbar intervertebral discs (disc
lying in the lower area of the spine) are primarily affected because most of the body weight falls to the lower back while standing
or walking. The vertebrae can put pressure causing the gel-like centre to swell (herniate) through a debility in its outer wall. The
swelling of the herniated disc thumbs on the spinal nerve and causes localized pain, Sciatica. The slipped disc treatment in the
earlier phase can greatly help prevent Sciatica.

Osteoarthritis
2. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic joint disease affecting billions of people globally. It is also called wear-and-tear arthritis, degenerative arthritis, and degenerative joint disease. The damage can be accumulative; consequently, age is the main cause of the joint damage leading to an OA. When facet joint bones and soft tissue gets exasperated and inflamed, the surrounding nerves may be as well. Bone spurs may develop and pressure nerve roots in many instances, causing Sciatica.

Spinal Stenosis
3. Spinal stenosis is the straitening of the spaces within your spinal cord and nerve roots, putting pressure on the nerves that travel through the spinal column. Spinal stenosis occurs most often in the lower back and the neck. Some people suffering from spinal stenosis may not be symptomatic like others. Sciatica symptoms are usually present when spinal stenosis gets constricted and exasperates the sciatic nerve.

Spondylolisthesis
4. Spondylolisthesis is the slippage of one vertebral body concerning the adjacent vertebral body causing mechanical or radicular symptoms or pain. A slipped lumbar vertebra sticks out into the spinal column and irritates the sciatica nerve.

Many other sources like trauma injury to the spinal column, piriformis syndrome affects your spine, irritating the sciatica nerve. Not all the sources of Sciatica are unpreventable, like a slipped disc, pregnancy or an accidental fall. But maintaining good posture, healthy weight, exercising regularly and quitting smoke can help greatly. You can avoid Sciatica treatment if you follow the common preventive measures on time.

Orthocure healthcare is a chain of orthopaedic clinics offering the highest quality healthcare in India; it collaborates with hospitals, clinics and doctors from across the globe.