Sciatica is an uncomfortable condition that can potentially affect your legs and affect your quality of life. This condition is named after the large nerve that radiates from your spine, across your hips, and down your legs. Sciatica can potentially make working or sitting for long periods miserable and, in some cases, need serious treatment and management. Here is more about sciatica, what causes it, and what can be done about it.

What Causes Sciatica?

Bone spurs, spinal stenosis, or herniated or bulging discs putting pressure on the nerve cause the majority of sciatica cases. However, those are not the only causes. Piriformis syndrome, which are muscle spasms in the buttocks and hip area, can irritate the nerve as well.

Who Is Likely To Get Sciatica?

While sciatica can happen to anyone of any age, it primarily affects pre-menopausal adult women. People who sit for long periods, are pregnant, or obese may get the condition due to extra pressure on their spine. If you are diabetic, then you are also at a higher risk due to the diabetic neuropathy, especially if your diabetes is uncontrolled.

When Should One Consult A Doctor?

If you experience a sudden, sharp pain to the point where you have difficulty walking, or you lose feeling in one of your legs, then you should see your doctor right away. Though it may seem unrelated, the loss of bladder or bowel function is not unheard of with severe sciatica and requires immediate treatment. You should also call the doctor if the pain doesn't go away with conventional treatment.

How Can One Alleviate Sciatica?

For most people, a simple change in their routine is enough to alleviate their sciatica. Getting up and walking around after long stretches of sitting may help. Stretching, core exercises, and proper posture can help take the pressure off the nerve. Ask your doctor for specific exercises and activities in your case. Anti-inflammatory medications may also help in the short term.

Is Surgery An Option?

For most people, surgery is unnecessary, but if you have a severely herniated disc or large bone spur, then your doctor may recommend the procedure. Surgery will be recommended if you are experiencing loss of muscle control or weakness. Most people who have surgery feel almost instantly better.

Sciatica is often considered by many to be more of an uncomfortable nuisance that will resolve on its own. However, if your symptoms are serious, and they are not improving by making changes to your activities, then you may need more in-depth spinal pain treatment. You should see a back pain specialist for an examination and to rule out a more serious problem.