Sciatica refers to a group of symptoms affecting one leg, including pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. It can be nothing more than a nuisance or be troublesome enough to interfere with your comfort and mobility. Here are 11 important facts about sciatica that you should know.
1. LUMBAR RADICULOPATHY
This is the medical term for sciatica. Generally speaking, it refers to pain from a pinched or compressed nerve in your lower spine. The cause of sciatica can range from a herniated disc to spinal stenosis.
2. SCIATICA IS A SYMPTOM, NOT A CONDITION
Sciatica is a symptom of an underlying condition, not a condition in itself.
3. THE NERVE INVOLVED CHANGES THE SYMPTOMS
Different nerve roots can cause sciatica. This is why symptoms vary in severity. If you have an issue with a nerve root in your lower spine the pain is felt in the back of your thigh, leg, and/or the outer side of your foot. However, the L5 nerve leads to foot weakness. If you have overlapping symptoms, it could be because more than one nerve root is affected. Symptoms can stem from lumbar, sacral, or lumbosacral radiculopathy.
4. HEIGHT AND WEIGHT COUNT
Taller, heavier people are at higher risk for sciatica, and the risk increases with age. While men who are older and over 6’1’ are at higher risk when it comes to height, in the cases of obesity, those who are overweight are at higher risk for hospitalization or requiring surgery.
5. TREATMENT VARIES FROM PERSON TO PERSON
Since sciatica causes vary, the type of treatment recommended will also vary based on the cause. Your doctor will make a diagnosis of the underlying issue to ensure you receive the right treatment plan for your particular needs.
6. PROPER TREATMENT LOWERS THE RISK OF LONG-TERM COMPLICATIONS
Many people choose to suffer in silence, not seeking treatment for their sciatica. However, in most cases, patients respond well to treatment and don’t have to deal with long-term complications. Although sciatica can often resolve without treatment, if it lasts beyond six weeks, and the symptoms become worse, it is best to speak to your doctor as soon as possible. Without treatment, you might require more invasive treatments including surgery.
7. SIGNS YOU NEED IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION
In rare cases, sciatica can signal the need for emergency medical attention. Warning signs include:
- Worsening numbness and/or weakness
- Symptoms spreading to the other leg
- Incontinence
- Numbness in the genital area and/or groin
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away. They could point to a serious problem such as cauda equina syndrome or damage to the spinal nerves or spinal cord.
8. SURGICAL & NONSURGICAL TREATMENTS SEE SIMILAR RESULTS
Four to 10 years after treatment, patients who had surgery and those who had nonsurgical treatment see the same results. However, you can experience immediate pain relief for up to one month with surgery whereas other treatments might see pain relief over time.
9. IT’S NOT ALWAYS SCIATICA
Many people assume they have sciatica when in fact they have something completely different. This can include:
- Pelvic muscle spasm (piriformis syndrome)
- Broken hip bone
- Arthritic hip joint (hip osteoarthritis)
- Dysfunction of a joint in the pelvis (sacroiliac joint dysfunction or inflammation)
Although the pain is similar, it isn’t always sciatica. That’s why it is important to seek medical advice when suffering from pain.
10. KEEP MOVING
Many pain-related issues call for rest. However, in the case of sciatica, “motion is lotion” as the saying goes. A structured exercise routine approved by your doctor is often one of the most effective ways to reduce sciatica symptoms. This is because when you exercise you improve muscle and bone strength as well as your sciatic nerve’s flexibility. You also nourish your spinal discs with ongoing exercise. When you keep moving you can feel relief while also enjoying the long-term benefits of an active lifestyle.
11. ANTALGIC GAIT
It is not uncommon for people suffering from sciatic leg pain to adjust their walk to reduce the discomfort. This can lead to an “antalgic gait” (a protective limp), which in turn can cause pain elsewhere. There are far better ways to reduce sciatica pain that offer long-term results and won’t harm your walk or mobility. Discussing treatments with your doctor to help manage pain is always your best course of action.
