Is Sciatica A Symptom Or A Spinal Disorder?

While some think that sciatica is a symptom of a spinal disorder, there are others who suggest the problem as a spinal disorder in itself. The truth, however, is that sciatica is a symptom of a disorder that results in pain that originates from the lower back and extends to the legs. It is a condition that arises as a symptom of inflammation of the sciatic nerve and is not a medical problem in itself.

Sciatica is a condition that is primarily referred to the pain in the lower body. This pain may be mild or severe. In some cases, it may even be accompanied with a burning sensation. While most sciatica patients deal with lower back pain, there are some who experience pain till the foot.

What sciatic patients have to deal with?
Extreme pain is one of the most common consequence of sciatica. While some people experience numbing pain, there are others who have to deal with severe pain. Sometimes, the intensity of pain may be too severe to hamper various day to day activities. Activities like walking, standing, running, sitting in the car or on the workstation and the like may also be affected. In addition to pain, sciatica sufferers may deal with various sensations such as needle like sensations, tingling, numbness and the like.

What causes sciatica?
Although, there are several causes of sciatica, it is herniated disc that is the most common. As a person ages, a disc may rupture. The gel like interior protrudes through the discs. This protrusion exerts pressure on the adjoining nerves including the sciatic nerve. This results in pain. Some other causes of the problem include pirformis syndrome, spinal stenosis, spondylolysthesis, physical trauma and the like.

Can sciatica be treated?
While sciatica brings extreme discomfort, the good part is that the problem can be treated. Though there are several treatment options available for the problem, it is pain relief medications that are most commonly used. These medications could be both- OTC as well as prescription drugs. Alternative therapies like reflexology, chiropractic treatment, acupressure, yoga and the like may be used to treat the problem. However, severe cases of sciatica call for the need of surgery.

The sciatic nerve
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It starts at the back of the pelvis, travels through the buttocks and reaches the legs. The sciatic nerve is responsible for all the movement in the lower body. Near the knee, the sciatic nerve branches out into two nerves i.e. tibial and peroneal nerves. While the tibial nerve runs behind the knee, the peroneal nerve runs along the side of the calf.

Learn how to fix the true causes of sciatica - click here