Sciatica pain is painful and irritating that prevents from performing all the actions in day-to-day life. Sciatica nerve is the longest and the largest nerve present in the human system. When there is a compression or irritation caused to the nerve roots that are located in the end of the spinal cord, sciatica is developed. Patients suffering from sciatica experiences pain in their lower back portion, thighs, legs and toes. It is important to understand the root cause to plan the right treatment and reduce the amount of pain. Continue to read ahead to understand the important factors that cause the pain.
Sciatica in medical term is referred to Radiculopathy – a process where sciatica nerve is pinched. Understanding the symptoms will be helpful for both a patient as well as a therapist to provide accurate treatment. There are different reasons, symptoms and causes that raise the problem of sciatica pain. Discussed below are few of the important symptoms that are termed to be the main cause behind the development of pain.
1. Lumbar herniated disc
A herniated disc is developed when the inner region of the disc leaks out nucleus pulposus. This comes out through the fibrous outer core and causes irritation to the nerve root present in the region. At this region, one of the five different nerve roots that form the sciatica nerve is located. Occurrence of this stage is due to accidents or any sudden twists in the physical body. This can eventually develop herniated disc. Apart from this, most discs weaken over period of time due to standard stress observed in the same region.
2. Lumbar spinal stenosis
When there is decrease in the spinal canal region, pain is developed as it becomes difficult for the sciatica nerve to have its own gap. Sciatica pain developed due to this cause is often found in elderly people who are aged above 60 years. The occurrence can be combination of – enlarged facet joints, bulging disc, overgrowth of soft tissue.
Sciatica pain is irritating and causes inflammation in the effected region. This prevents from performing all the regular activities. It is therefore important for a person to note down the changes to detect sciatica in its early stage. Regular exercises and right treatment will help prevent the growth of the pain. All this should be carried out under guidance from an experienced spinal therapist. Follow the schedule prepared by the doctor to overcome sciatica.