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The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and sciatica is nerve pain which occurs due to irritation of the sciatic nerve. The pain which might feel like a bad leg cramp, or can be a shooting pain that makes standing or sitting nearly impossible, is typically felt from the lower back to behind the thigh and radiates down below the knee. If you have sciatica you might experience weakness, numbness, or a burning or tingling sensation down your leg, or even in your toes. You may also experience an inability to bend your knee or move your foot and toes. Sciatica can occur suddenly or it can develop gradually.
Sciatica is usually the symptom of a 'pinched nerve' affecting one or more of the lower spinal nerves. The nerve might be pinched inside or outside of the spinal canal as it passes through the leg.
Some causes of sciatica include:
The risk factors for sciatica include:
Common symptoms of sciatica include:
If you suffer from the symptoms of sciatica you need to visit a general physician. The general physician, in turn, might refer you to an osteopathic physician or a chiropractor based on your condition.
The doctor will ask you about your medical history, your profession, your daily activities and questions related to your pain such as :
Your doctor will also perform physical and will advise you to undergo a neurological exam. In the physical exam, the doctor will check your posture, range of motion, and your spine.
During the neurological exam, the doctor will test your reflexes, muscle strength, and other nerve changes. He may further advise you to take imaging tests, x-ray, CAT scan and an MRI test.
All these tests will give a complete picture to your doctor.
Complications due to sciatica are rare. If they do occur they can include:
Physical therapy is often prescribed for sciatica. Your doctor may recommend that you perform a few back exercises and stretches. If there is no improvement you can ask the doctor about alternative therapies since many people get relief by visiting physical therapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors.
For cases of persistent sciatica, the doctor may recommend epidural injections which are steroid injections.
For severe cases, the doctor may recommend surgery.
Sciatica exercises usually focus on strengthening and stretching the spinal column and muscles and tendons. Yoga and pilates are good forms of exercises along with swimming and walking. Before you decide on an exercise regimen it is advisable to consult with your doctor to find out which form of exercise will suit you the best. It is also advisable to perform the exercises under supervision, till you feel confident.
Sciatica has been reported to occur in 1 to 10% of the population, most commonly in people age 25 to 45 years.
Men are more frequently affected than women by sciatica.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs as a result of blood clotting in a vein, which is deep inside the body. Blood clotting is defined as the slow movement of blood through the veins, causing a clump of blood cells.
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