Sciatica, or lumbar radiocuolpathy, is the set of symptoms caused by compressing one of the roots of the sciatic nerve. The compression may be caused by poor sitting posture, which includes sitting on a wallet that is on one side of the buttocks, prolapsed disks, nerve disorders, or abnormal tissue development in the lumbar region near the sciatic nerve. http://www.health.uab.edu/15172/ Fluids from a herniated disk can also irritate the nerve. http://www.hss.edu/conditions_14477.asp
The sciatic nerve originates in the lumbar region, or lower back. It and the posterior cutaneous nerve exit the hip region through the sciatic foramen and under the piriformis muscle. http://depts.washington.edu/anesth/regional/sciatictext.html Because the nerves location with this muscle, this condition is sometimes called piriformis syndrome. www.ubsportsmed.buffalo.edu/education/piriformis.html The pain of sciatica is normally felt in the lower back, buttock and/or parts of the leg or foot. The symptoms occur on the side of the lower back, buttocks and leg where there is nerve compression and inflammation.
Most people overcome this condition with rest over time. About 10 to 25 percent can suffer the symptoms for over 6 weeks. Although movement can be painful, it can help speed recovery. About 10-20% of patients undergo surgery for this condition. To relieve the inflammation, it is common to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin and ibuprofen. Muscle relaxants are sometimes used. Movement helps relieve the inflammation of sciatica. http://www.hss.edu/conditions_14477.asp
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Sciatica, please consult your doctor.
Sciatica Support Groups, Discussions and Blogs
Daily Strength: Sciatica Support Group
MedHelp: Sciatica
Natural Holistic Health Blog: Sciatica and Piriformis Muscle Syndrome
Spine-health.com: Leg Pain and Sciatica Discussion Forum
References
Fast Facts
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Other names
Piriformis syndrome, lumbar radiocuolpathy
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Symptoms
Pain, numbness, tingling and weakness down the leg; starting In the buttock region and extending to the back thigh
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Susceptible population
30-50 years of age
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Recovery
About 80-90% recover within 6 weeks with rest, gentle movement and anti-inflammatory medicines
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Condition
It is a symptom and not a diagnosis
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Other names
Piriformis syndrome, lumbar radiculopathy
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Causes
Herniated disks in the lumbar or lower spinal region, irritation of the sciatic nerve by chemicals from herniated disks
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Recovery
Most recover within 6 weeks of initial symptoms, with bed rest over time, mild motion, and anti-inflammatory medications.
