Sciatic Nerve Pain

What Is The Sciatic Nerve?

Sciatic nerve pain is a form of neuralgia that arises from irritation, inflammation or injury to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is one of the largest nerves in the human body, extending from the lumbar spinal cord, through the buttocks, down into the leg to the foot. Pain caused by a problem with this nerve is commonly known as sciatica.

Sciatica often results from a disc problem in the back that radiates downward. But sciatica can be caused by any circumstance that irritates the sciatic nerve. It often comes on suddenly due to a back injury, which is frequently the result by over exertion or lifting something that's too heavy.

Symptoms of sciatica

Typically, you feel sciatica symptoms in the lower back, the buttock area, or below the knee. There will be a burning pain, numbness, or tingling that people commonly describe as being "like pins and needles." Cramping in the thigh area one of the common symptoms of sciatica, and sometimes you'll feel shooting pains through the buttocks and down into the upper leg.

Buttock pain from sciatica sometimes happens to people who have to sit in one place for extended periods, such as long distance truck drivers. The sciatic nerve may be damaged or irritated by pressure from adjacent bones, tumors, or muscles. Internal bleeding and infections can also cause sciatic nerve pain.

When the irritation to the nerve is severe, walking and getting up from a seated position can be very painful. Bending at the waist may also get pretty uncomfortable. Lying down may help, but it doesn't always. Squatting usually hurts. Even coughing can cause sharp shooting pains in the affected area.

Anyone can experience sciatica. However, it usually doesn't happen to younger people. Most people diagnosed with sciatica are between 30 and 50.

Sciatic nerve pain relief

Bed rest is the one of the most frequently recommended treatments for sciatic nerve pain relief. Your doctor may prescribe pain relief medications which reduce inflammation and help you relax. These will probably include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are often abbreviated as NSAIDs. NSAIDs work because they block substances that dilate blood vessels and cause inflammation and pain.

There are many varieties of NSAIDs which are available without a prescription. Well known brand names include Advil, Nuprin, Motrin IB, Rufen, Aleve, Actron, and Orudis KT.

When sciatica pain is severe, a prescription-strength NSAID may be appropriate. Your doctor may suggest an epidural steroid injection. This puts anti-inflammatory medication directly to the painful area. There are also topical NSAIDs available in gels, creams, or patches.

Alternating heat packs and ice packs will can bring some relief. Physical therapy and certain forms of exercise are other possibilities.

Surgery is usually a last resort if discomfort persists for approximately three months. However, most people recover completely from sciatic nerve pain problems without complications.