Sciatica is a general term referring to pain and altered sensation arising from the sciatic nerve. It commonly presents as pain in the buttock, back of the thigh and calf. Usually there will be a sharp stabbing sensation along the path of the nerve. You may also experience weakness, tingling and/or numbness in these areas.
WHAT: Sciatica refers to pain and altered sensation coming from the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve can be irritated or damaged in many ways, often due to a disc injury in your lower back.
The sciatic nerve runs from your low back, through the buttock and down the back of the thigh and calf. It supplies skin and muscles in your thigh, leg and foot. Many people experience back pain in addition to sciatic pain.
Many conditions can mimic sciatica including back and hip pain, hamstring strains and gluteal muscle strains.
A rare complication of sciatica is Cauda Equina Syndrome, where nerves supplying the bowel, bladder and genitals are injured. If you notice a change in the control of your bowel or bladder, seek urgent medical attention.
Sciatica may last weeks or months. Most people make a full recovery.
SYMPTOMS:
Sharp shooting pain
Aching
Burning
Tingling
Numbness
Weakness
Tension in the back of your leg.
WHO: Some studies report 10-40% of adults will experience sciatica in their lifetime. Around 1-5% of the population get sciatica each year.
TREATMENT: Treatment may include:
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Manual therapy such as Osteopathy, Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Remedial Massage.
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Heat or Ice Packs
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Modify activities
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Stretching
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Ergonomic advice
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Nerve glide or floss exercises
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Rehab exercises
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Pain relief such as paracetamol, muscle relaxants, medication for neurogenic pain.
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Relaxation techniques
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Spinal injections
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Spinal surgery.
Rest is usually not recommended, or only used for very brief periods.
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📚Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507908/#:~:text=Sciatica has some unique epidemiologic,reported between 10%25 to 40%25
📚Reference: https://www.nhs.uk/