The sciatic nerve, the longest in the human body, originates in the lower spine and extends from the back of the leg to the toes. This nerve controls the muscles at the back of the knee and leg. Frequently, especially in the elderly, we hear of pain in the spine, lower back and legs (almost always only one lower limb is affected). This happens when the nerve is irritated. The discomfort can last for days and is known as sciatica.
Causes of sciatica
Sciatica is a condition characterized by sharp, stabbing pain in the lower back, weakness, numbness or tingling in the leg, caused by injury or compression of the sciatic nerve. Lower back pain originates from the spine, muscles, nerves or other structures in this region of the back. It can also originate in other areas, such as the middle and upper back. It can also be due to an inguinal hernia, a problem with the testicles or a problem with the ovaries.
Sciatica, also known as sciatic neuritis, is a group of symptoms affecting the sciatic nerve, and usually occurs when the sciatic nerve roots are compressed. When there is compression and/or inflammation of this nerve, the symptoms described occur, along with difficulty in keeping the spine straight and pain when walking.
Sciatica is usually caused by compression of the lumbar nerves L4 and L5 and the sacral nerves S2, S1 and S3. Sciatica is rarely caused by compression of the sciatic nerve itself. Another cause of sciatica is pyramidal syndrome. This is a muscle in the hip which, following a fall, "swells", thickening the sciatic nerve and becoming irritated as it crosses the hip, so that the pain travels down the back of the leg and simulates an injury to the L5 root.
The painful condition is usually caused by a herniated disc in the lower back and/or nerve root compression.
Treatments to relieve sciatica pain
There are several types of non-surgical spine professionals who are experts in curing the symptoms of sciatica, including chiropractors, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, and analgesic physicians, osteopaths and physiotherapists, all with certified training to relieve pain and prevent future recurrences of sciatica.
In the majority of cases, treatment of inflammation due to sciatic nerve compression consists of physiotherapy sessions using instruments that reduce pain and inflammation, as well as manual exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles of the affected leg, thereby improving blood supply to the sciatic nerve and normalizing tone in the gluteal and leg muscles.
A home treatment for inflamed sciatic nerve usually involves massaging the lower back with moisturizing creams or oils, as these can be applied to relieve pain and improve mobility, as they relax the muscles of the back, legs and buttocks, reducing compression in the nerve.
If you prefer, you can also opt forosteopathy as an alternative treatment to relieve the discomfort caused by sciatica. Osteopathy uses a range of manual techniques, such as massage, friction and stretching, to correct any dysfunctions the patient may have in the affected area (joints, muscles, ligaments, etc.), to ensure freedom of movement and relieve pain.
Whatever the reason, if you're experiencing sciatica pain, treatment is needed to eliminate it, take pressure off oppressed nerves, readjust your spine and take tension off discs to allow muscles to relax and remove contractures.
One clinic that specializes in this type of treatment is Physiobalance. In this health center, you'll find the best therapists and osteopaths in Montreal, who will give you the care you need to correct your condition.