Sciatica and low back pain

Sciatica is a common form of low back pain and leg pain. Low back pain and its economic consequences are astounding having been cited as frequent cause of activity impairment in people below 45 of age. Sciatica is a painful symptom. This lies under the category of low back pain. The pain usually is along the course of the sciatica nerve. Sciatic nerve runs from the low back into the buttock area, the back of the thigh, inner leg and extends as far down as the foot. Pain may develop gradually. Some begin abruptly. Sciatica is an irritation of the sciatic nerve accompanied by severe, sharp, electrical pain with burning and aching components.

Nerves allow communication throughout the body. Sciatic nerve is the primary nerve in the leg. It is the longest and largest nerve in the human body. When this nerve is irritated or pressed, it produces a sharp, electrical wave of pain. This is usually accompanied with numbness, tingling, weakness, aches and burning symptoms. Sciatic is a frequent companion of low back pain. Aggravating pain is felt along the nerve pathway. This reaches high intensity which suggests like a pinched nerve but gradually fades away. Pain is radiated from the specific area down to the nerve sciatic pathway. The cycle repeats along with the pain that accompanies it. This could be more severe when you bend forward or even plainly cough or sneeze.

One common cause of sciatica is lumbar herniated disc or ruptured disc. Repetitive lifting and poor posture may lead to herniated disc. Coughing or sneezing may aggravate herniated disc. Emotional stress is a contributing factor to low back pain. Sciatica can be a side effect of stress. Muscle contraction related to stress can cause back problems. Measures that may help bring relaxation to the muscles are massage, application of heat, mental approach like meditation and physical activity like running, walking or swimming. Sometimes it is worse. Sometimes it is better. The sad fact is that it never goes away completely. Pain comes and goes. Choosing to leave a painful nerve pinch untreated exposes you to the risk of developing chronic pain that may not respond to treatment! As long as you are willing to put up with the pain, you can still breathe and say no to surgery.