Sciatica; Symptoms, Cause and Cured

Sciaticaa is a pain affecting the back, hip, and outer side of the leg, caused by compression of a spinal nerve root in the lower back, often owing to degeneration of an intervertebral disc. 

Cause of Sciatica

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes pinched. The cause is usually a herniated disk in the spine or an overgrowth of bone, sometimes called bone spurs, form on the spinal bones. More rarely, a tumor can put pressure on the nerve. Or a disease such as diabetes can damage the nerve.

Can sciatica be a problem?

If the pinched nerve is seriously injured, chronic muscle weakness, such as a “drop foot,” might occur, when numbness in the foot makes normal walking impossible. Sciatica can potentially cause permanent nerve damage, resulting in a loss of feeling in the affected legs.25 Mar 2020

Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica pain can vary widely. It may feel like a mild tingling, dull ache, or burning sensation. In some cases, the pain is severe enough to make a person unable to move. The pain most often occurs on one side.

Can sciatica Be Cured?

In about 90 to 95 percent of sciatica cases, the problem is successfully resolved with time and conservative, non-surgical treatments. If sciatica persists despite these treatments, though, surgery may be considered.19 Jul 2016

Ways to Cure Sciatica 

Alternating heat and ice therapy can provide immediate relief of sciatic nerve pain. Ice can help reduce inflammation, while heat encourages blood flow to the painful area (which speeds healing). 

Heat and ice may also help ease painful muscle spasms that often accompany sciatica.18 Aug 2022

Best way to relieve sciatica?

Lifestyle and home remedies

Cold packs. Place a cold pack on the painful area for up to 20 minutes several times a day. ...

Hot packs. After 2 to 3 days, apply heat to the areas that hurt. ...

Stretching. Stretching exercises for the low back might provide some relief. ...

Medications.