Slipped Disc and Sciatica

Lower back pain due the slipped disc is a common problem faced by a number of individuals. There are various symptoms associated with the slipped disc and sciatica is one among them.

Slipped or the herniated disc in the lower back region is the most common cause of sciatica. The concept is such that a herniated or a slipped disc exerts excess pressure on the surrounding nerves causing various symptoms to occur. If the nerve being compressed is the sciatic nerve then the symptoms of sciatica are experienced by the person. Sciatic nerve is the largest human nerve that runs down the legs originating from the lumbar region. Hence, when the sciatic pain becomes severe, the pain is felt all along the legs, including the lower back.

The symptoms of sciatica caused due to the slipped disc are similar to sciatica caused due to spinal stenosis, bone spurs, spondylolisthesis and other lumbar region complications. The severity of the pain depends upon the matter of the disc that dislocates from its original place. More the matter, more is the pressure exerted on the nerve. The minor or initial symptoms include pain in the lower back, buttocks, legs and sometimes feet. The severe cases experience problem in the bowels and functioning of the bladder and weakness in the legs too. This condition is called the cauda equina and it demands immediate medical help.

There are certain activities that may aggravate the problem of slipped disc. These activities will be identified by the doctors while the sufferer must take these precautions to avoid further deterioration of the condition. The doctor may identify your lifestyle as inappropriate and may also ask you to undergo a few other modifications to manage the symptoms of sciatica. For example, sitting or standing for too long may not be recommended, as doing so would aggravate the problem.

The doctors would suggest various treatment options for the slipped disc. A few of those treatments are:

* Exercises that would be helpful in correcting your posture and strengthening your core muscles to provide adequate support to the spine.
* Stretching exercises that would manage lower back and leg pain
* Anti-inflammatory drugs and medications
* Steroid injections for severe cases.
* Alternate hot and cold treatment.
* Massage and other physical therapies

Whatever be the treatment, it will depend on your severity. There has to be detailed examination done of the symptoms to decide upon the treatment course. The sufferer must take precautions as laid down by the doctor. Sciatica due to slipped disc is more about the management of the condition than the treatment. It is the careful attitude that would be helpful in avoiding the debilitating pain and further deterioration of the condition.

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