About this topic
You may have pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling that runs from your buttocks down the back of your leg to your feet. This is called sciatica. It happens when something is pressing on or bothering the sciatic nerve. This large nerve starts in your lower back. It runs all the way down the back of your leg. ‚
Sciatica is a sign of some other health problem that involves the nerve. It most often happens on just one side. Most of the time, sciatica will get better without needing surgery. Treating the health problem that is causing the pain can make this condition go away. ‚
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What are the causes?
You may have pressure on the nerves from wear and tear over time. You may also have a problem with one of the discs in your spine. It could be bulging out or collapsing and putting pressure on the nerve. The spaces where the nerves leave the spine may become narrow. One of the bones might slip forward slightly and cause pressure. Other things that may cause this problem include injuries, trauma, infection, pressure from a muscle, or tumors. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
This condition often starts when you are between 30 and 50 years of age. It is more common in the lower back and you are more likely to have problems if you have had a back injury. Other things, like being overweight or having a job where you do a lot of lifting and twisting, can make you more likely to have this problem. Having others in your family with low back pain or sciatica also increases your risk. Smoking or having diabetes raises your risk for sciatica. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Pain that shoots from your lower back into one buttock or leg. The pain becomes worse with sitting or standing for a long period of time. Coughing and sneezing may make it worse. The pain may be a mild ache or a sharp burning sensation. You may have more pain if you lift your leg straight up when lying down.
- Weakness in the leg or foot, especially when bending the knee or pointing the foot down
- Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
- Trouble walking
- Loss of bowel or bladder control. This is rare but needs attention right away.
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will do an exam and feel around your lower back and buttocks. Your doctor may have you move and push and pull on your legs to test your motion and strength. Your doctor may have you raise one leg straight up off the exam table. Your doctor may also have you do things like squatting and walking on your toes and heels. Your doctor may check the feeling and reflexes in your legs to look for nerve problems. ‚
The doctor may order: ‚
- X-ray
- CT or MRI scan
- Nerve conduction tests
- Lab tests
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Rest
- Ice
- Heat may be used later but not right away. Heat can make swelling worse.
- Crutches, cane, or walker if you are having trouble walking
- Physical therapy (PT) for treatments to lessen pain and for instruction on exercises to help the problem
- Chiropractor
- Surgery may be needed if other treatment plans do not work.
Are there other health problems to treat?
Treating the health problem that is causing the pain most often makes this condition go away. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
The doctor may give you a shot of an anti-inflammatory drug called a corticosteroid. This will help with swelling. Talk with your doctor about the risks of this shot. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Long-term back pain
- Loss of feeling or movement in the legs or feet
- Weight gain, less muscle strength and flexibility, weaker bones
- Need for surgery
- Infection
- Loss of bowel and bladder function
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible. Warm up slowly and stretch before you exercise.
- Use good posture.
- Use proper ways to lift and bend:
- Spread your feet apart so you have a good base of support. Then, bend with your knees when you pick up something from the ground.
- When lifting and moving an object, keep your back straight. Keep the object as close to your body as possible. Do not twist. Instead, move your feet to the direction you are going.
- Take breaks often when seated for long periods of time. Get up and walk around from time to time.
- If you stand for long periods, put one leg up on a small stool for a while. Then, change legs.
- If you sleep on your side, put a pillow in between your knees to keep your back and legs in a good position.
- Use good supportive footwear. Avoid high heels.
- Keep a healthy weight.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00351 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚