Nerve pain in the leg due to burning or compression, or both, is called sciatica. Sciatica pain begins from the lower back, radiates to the buttock and extends down the leg.
Symptoms range from intermittent to severe irritability. Symptoms depend on the roots involved, namely L4, L5, S1, S2 and S3. Occasionally, more than one root may be involved.
Usually, sciatica affects one leg at a time, but sometimes, the condition can affect both legs simultaneously or alternately.
Symptoms of Sciatica
- Pain- It can be continuous or intermittent
- Pain is generally a burning, or sharp, shooting type. The pain is usually felt more in the leg than in the back and that too in the calf muscles.
- A sensation of Pins and needles at the back part of the leg.
- Weakness in feet & leg.Heaviness feeling in the affected leg.
- If a symptom lasts longer than 8 weeks, the condition is said to be chronic.
Common reasons for Sciatica
- A herniated lumbar disc
- Spinal stenosis in the lumbar spine
- Lumbar degenerative disc disease
- Muscle spasms
- Inflammation of the lumbar and pelvic muscles
- Sacroiliac joint problem
- Trauma to the spine because of accidents
- The rare reason is tumours
Sciatica prediction factors
- Abdominal fat & Obesity
- Genetic susceptibility
- Smoking
- Tall height in the elderly
- Lack of Vitamin B12
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Businesses such as heavy vehicle drivers, carpenters, heavy machine operators
- Deficiency of physical exercise
Ayurvedic treatment for Sciatica Pain
Neurological pain is well treated by ayurvedic (Panchakarma procedures) and treatment of sciatica also responds well. The Ayurvedic medicine & Panchkarma treatment is chosen based on individualization and strange symptoms of the affected part. The underlying reason is also taken into consideration. The condition usually resolves in acute problems and is the last chronic permanent relief. Panchkarma and Ayurvedic medicine treatment with few precautions provide the best relief to the patient and thus surgical intervention can be avoided.