Prognosis And Complications Of Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is the longest and the thickest nerve in the body. It starts in the lower back along the calf and ends in the feet. Any damage or discomfort to this nerve causes immense pain and the patient feels helpless. This nerve may get compressed due various reasons like disc herniation. The pain ranges from mild to extreme. But, in most of the cases, sciatica has no clear cause. It is a combination of factors that cause discomfort in the nerve. It could be the muscle, bone and joint strain causing trouble.

Prognosis
Most of the cases of low back pain can resume work in a month's time. And, it is observed that they recover completely only after few months. There has been a study acknowledging the fact that 1/3rd moderate back pain cases improve in a week's time and 2/3rds improve in 7 weeks. It is also observed that one time relapse rate is 100% in 75% of sciatica cases. Many doctors have come to believe that symptoms of sciatica cannot be cured but it is the consistent ongoing approach that helps. Reduction in pain happens faster for the patients of herniated disc but actual physical condition improves slowly. The doctors have found that it is depression that hinders the recovery of the patient of sciatica in most of cases. If sciatica is a result of spinal stenosis, 70% of cases are easily managed and only 15% cases take a bad shape.

Complications
If not treated in time or left unchecked, sciatica can get complicated. As the sciatic nerve runs down the entire leg, any discomfort would cause uneasiness in movement. If the initial stages of this discomfort are ignored, it may get complicated to an extent that the patient would feel partial or complete loss of leg movement. In some cases patient may not feel any sensation in the leg. Also, there are chances of repeated injuries to the leg without getting noticed. The sufferer also observes multiplied side effects of the medications.

When to call the doctor?
One needs to see a doctor when the pain travels down to the calf muscles, has fever, has no control over the bladder, the ailing area is swollen or inflamed, numbness anywhere below the lower back, experiences pain that takes sleep away. Also, report to the doctor if you experience unexpected weight loss, you use intravenous steroids, have had a back pain but this one is worse and it has been more than four months since you are suffering. The doctor will do the required tests for positive symptoms and will find the causes for further treatment.