Sciatica is characterised by leg discomfort, weakness, numbness, and tingling. It is caused by pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve. Sciatica in Singapore is a sign of a medical condition. This is not a medical problem in and of itself.
Causes
Sciatica is caused by pressure or injury to the sciatic nerve. This nerve travels from the lower back down the back of each leg. This nerve regulates the muscles of the lower leg and the back of the knee. In addition, it delivers feeling to the rear of the thigh, the outside and back of the lower leg, and the bottom of the foot.
Common sciatica causes include:
- Herniated slipped disc
- Spinal stenosis
- Pelvic fracture or damage
- Piriformis syndrome (a pain disorder involving the narrow muscle in the buttocks)
- Tumours
Males between 30 and 50 are more prone to suffer from sciatica.
Symptoms
Pain from sciatica can vary considerably. It might feel like a tingle, dull discomfort, or burning. In some instances, the pain is strong enough to prevent movement.
Pain often arises on one side. Some individuals have acute pain in one region of the leg or hip and numbness in other areas. Pain or numbness may also be experienced at the back of the leg or the bottom of the foot. The afflicted limb may experience weakness. When walking, your foot occasionally gets trapped on the ground.
The discomfort may begin gradually. Things may become worse:
- After standing or sitting.
- Certain activities become prohibited during some periods of the day, such as at night.
- While coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
- While bending backwards or walking for more than a few yards or metres, mainly if spinal stenosis is the reason.
- While straining or holding your breath, such as during a bowel movement, you should breathe deeply.
Treatment
As sciatica is a symptom of another ailment, the underlying cause must be recognised and addressed.
In certain instances, no therapy is necessary, and healing happens independently.
In many instances, conservative (non-surgical) therapy is optimal. Your doctor may offer the following measures to minimise inflammation and alleviate symptoms:
Use nonprescription painkillers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Apply heat or cold to the region of discomfort. First, apply ice for 48 to 72 hours, then heat.
At-home back care measures may include the following:
- Bed rest is not advised.
- Early on, it is vital to perform back-strengthening activities.
- Start exercising again after two to three weeks. Incorporate abdominal (core) muscle strengthening and spine flexibility exercises.
- Minimise your level of activities during the first several days. Afterwards, gradually resume your normal activities.
- Do not perform hard lifting or twisting for the first six weeks following the onset of back discomfort.
Your physician may also suggest physical treatment. Other therapies for sciatica depend on the underlying disease.
If these procedures are ineffective, your doctor may consider injections to minimise the swelling surrounding the nerve. Other medications may be recommended to alleviate the piercing pains caused by nerve irritation.
Nerve discomfort is highly challenging to cure. If you have persistent pain issues, you may consult a neurologist or a pain specialist to access the most significant number of therapy choices.
Surgery can be performed to alleviate the compression of spinal nerves, although it is often a therapy of last resort.
