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Low back sciatic nerve: Facts and Myths

Author: rob@come-quick.info Total views: 146 Word Count: 643

What is lower back sciatica? What is lower back sciatica? The phrase sciatica portrays the indications of leg pain and possibly stinging, numbness or weakness that travels from the low back through the buttock and along the large sciatic nerve in the back of the leg. The scientific diagnosis of sciatica is referred to as a "radiculopathy", which means merely that a disc has projected from its normal location in the vertebral column and is putting pressure on the radicular nerve in the lower back, which develops branch of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is formed by the nerve roots coming out of the spinal cord into the lower back.nnThe sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body, approximately the diameter of a finger. An important thing to understand is that sciatica is a indication of a problem -- of something compressing or frustrating the nerve roots that comprises the sciatic nerve. Sciatica occurs most frequently in people among 30 and 50 years of age. It leans to grow as a outcome of general wear and tear on the structures of the lower spine. nnMost sciatica pain syndromes result from soreness and will get better within two weeks to a few months. Also, because the spinal cord is not present in the lower (lumbar) spine, a herniated disc in this region of the anatomy does not present a risk of paralysis.nn# Progressive weakness in the legn# Bladder/bowel incontinence or dysfunctionnnFrequently there is not a precise traumatic outcome or motion associated with the arrival of sciatica. Standing, sitting, heavy lifting, sneezing, or having a bowel movement may exaggerate the pain. Lying down is mostly the most comfortable position. Rarely parenthesis, weakness and diminished bowel or bladder function will accompany sciatica, but these are unusual symptoms. Sciatica causes pain, burning sensation, numbness, or tingling radiating from the lower back and upper buttock down the back of the thigh to the back of the leg. Severe sciatica can make walking hard if not impossible. Sometimes the symptoms of sciatica are exaggerated by walking or bending at the waist and relieved by lying down.nnTrue sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve is pinched or annoyed and the pain down the sciatic nerve is caused by this nerve (radicular pain) and is called a radiculopathy. When the pain is referred to the leg from a joint problem (called referred pain), using the word sciatica is not scientifically correct. Nerve root tension tests can be used to confirm the occurrence of sciatica by attempting to reproduce the uneasiness with certain activities and body positions. These tests are performed by a doctor and involve moving the legs in certain ways that slightly stretch the sciatic nerve. Physical therapy and a home program of stretching and strengthening exercises are very useful in allowing a patient to return to full activity. nnThe lifetime occurrence of low back pain is 50-70%, and 5-10% of patients with low back pain have sciatica. For the first few days it is really important to stay off your feet as much as possible. The most awful thing you can do is get up and down frequently as this causes the nerve to develop into more annoyed. Although soaking in warm baths relieve and reduce the pain, do not use heating pads at first while the nerve is inflamed. Prolonged heat depicts the inflammation in, keeping the swelling high. Most doctors tell their patients to apply ice packs directly on the lower back region for about twenty minutes at a time, each couple of hours. Although this can feel like torment, the cold pack helps lessen swelling. Mineral ice is also great at soothing the pain and offering temporary relief. There are some unusual treatments available that you might find helpful. Acupressure and acupuncture, herbal therapies, homeopathy and biofeedback and guided imagery are just a few.n

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