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The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body. The sciatic nerve can be felt when degenerative processes are underway in the body or there is damage to the disc between the vertebrae. You experience very severe pain that makes it difficult to function every day. What are the causes of sciatic nerve pain and how to deal with this unpleasant ailment?
What is the sciatic nerve?
The sciatic nerve is a mixed nerve that extends from the lumbar spine, through the buttocks, hips, and back of the thighs to the feet. The sciatic nerve supports the posterior part of the thigh muscles in motion, as well as the entire shin and foot in motion and sensation. Figuratively speaking, the sciatic nerve is the union of several roots that extend from the spine. All these roots merge into one whole, which is a large nerve. At the moment when the nerve is compressed, piercing and intense pain is felt.
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Causes of sciatic nerve pain
Pain in the sciatic nerve is located in the lumbosacral section of the spine, but very often it radiates and results in severe pain in the buttock, thigh or even foot. Sciatic nerve pain in medicine is called sciatica. The most common cause of pain in the sciatic nerve is irritation or too much pressure on the nerve roots from which the sciatic nerve exits. Often this strong pressure on the roots is pressure by a fragment of the intervertebral disc. This, in turn, may be due to the disc rupture, crushing, or degenerative changes. Less common causes of sciatic nerve pain include spondylolisthesis, narrowing of the spinal canal, excessive pear-shaped muscle tension, neoplastic infiltrates or purulent lesions in the spinal canal.
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Additional symptoms for sciatic nerve pain
A characteristic feature of sciatic nerve pain caused by spinal overload or trauma is its sudden onset and very strong intensity. It happens, however, that the pain of the sciatic nerve increases gradually, so that the patient gets used to the pain and much later decides on diagnosis and treatment. The symptom of sciatic nerve pain is pain radiating to the buttocks and various parts of the lower limbs. Its location varies depending on exactly where the pressure is on the sciatic nerve. It is worth mentioning that a simple sneeze or cough can significantly increase the level of pain experienced. Pressure on the sciatic nerve can also cause sensory disturbances in the extremities, tingling of the nerve or visible muscle weakness. In the worst cases, there may be a problem with urination and stool.
How to diagnose the disease?
The diagnosis of abnormalities within the sciatic nerve is based primarily on medical history. Based on the patient’s symptoms and the clinical examination performed, the doctor can determine the cause of the pain and suggest treatment and rehabilitation. Often, however, in order to obtain additional information, the doctor will order other diagnostic tests. People struggling with sciatic nerve pain can expect a referral to an MRI, X-ray or computed tomography.
Sciatic nerve pain treatment and rehabilitation
The pain of the sciatic nerve should not be underestimated. While home remedies can alleviate some symptoms, prolonged pressure can irreversibly damage the structure of the sciatic nerve. To ease the pain of the sciatic nerve, it is worth reaching for painkillers such as diclofenac, metamizole or ibuprofen. Warming patches or anti-inflammatory ointments are also helpful. In the treatment of sciatic nerve pain, physical therapy and rehabilitation are of great importance. The sooner a patient signs up for treatments, the sooner they will feel relief and reduce the risk of chronic back pain syndrome.
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