Sciatica is a common condition associated with the sciatic nerve in our body. There are two sciatic nerves, running on each side of the body through the hip and the buttock. The sciatic nerve is the thickest and longest nerve in the body. When these nerves are irritated or injured, you may have sciatica.
In this article, we will reveal the most common sciatica symptoms so you can easily identify your condition. We will also share the most effective sciatica treatments available today. So read on to learn more about this condition.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a condition where you experience mild to severe pain in your back, hip, or outer leg. These are the areas where nerves are directly connected to your sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is an entire bundle of nerves that are extended from 5 nerve roots attached to your spinal cord.
When your spinal nerve root is compressed, it causes sciatic pain. Sciatica can also be caused by a pelvic injury, fracture, herniated disk, spinal stenosis, tumour, piriformis syndrome, or spondylolisthesis.
In severe cases, sciatic pain can even extend to your feet and toes. There are many other symptoms of sciatica that can vary according to the severity of your condition. Continue reading to learn more about them.
Sciatica Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of sciatica include:
1. Pain
The first symptom of sciatica is pain which manifests as a result of compressed nerve(s). Sciatica pain feels like an electric shock or a burning sensation. It radiates from the affected area down to the leg.
This pain is usually triggered by sneezing, coughing, or when you lift or bend your legs while lying on your back.
2. Numbness
Sciatica is also characterised by numbness in the affected area. When the signals from the affected areas in your back or leg are unable to reach your brain, it results in numbness. You can’t feel any sensation on the skin of the affected area.
3. Tingling (Paresthesia)
Another common symptom of sciatica is a tingling sensation. This tingling sensation feels like pins and needles on the skin of your affected area. It is quite similar to the feeling you get when your leg falls asleep when sitting in the same position for too long.
4. Lack of Bladder and Bowel Control
This symptom occurs in very severe cases when the signals from your bowel or bladder fail to reach their destination. As a result, you lose bowel and bladder control.
5. Muscle Weakness
Muscle weakness is yet another severe symptom of sciatica that occurs when the command signals from the muscle fail to reach your back or legs.
Sciatica is characterised by all the above-mentioned symptoms. However, only a healthcare provider can properly diagnose sciatica by reviewing your medical history, inquiring about your symptoms, and conducting a physical exam by asking you to do certain movements.
Sciatica Treatments
If you are diagnosed with sciatica, there are several treatment options available to increase your mobility, decrease pain, and strengthen your muscles.
These treatments include:
- Medications such as anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, opioids, and antidepressants.
- Steroids
- Physiotherapy
- Surgery
Physiotherapy for Sciatica in London | One Body LDN
Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for sciatica. The goal of this treatment is to find the right exercises for your condition that help reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve. These include low-impact activities, posture correction, and stretching exercises.
If you are looking for an expert physiotherapist in London to treat Sciatica, book an appointment today with One Body LDN. We offer physiotherapy in London for several conditions to help you restore your mobility, heal from pain, and strengthen your muscles and core.
Our physiotherapists are specially experienced in treating sciatica with the help of personalised treatments. So book an appointment today to get relief!
