Sciatica is oftenly heard term, which is a common condition that can be quite painful and disruptive to daily life. 

Sciatica refers to pain along the sciatic nerve, which radiates from lower back, through your buttocks and down to leg.

Causes of sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when something compresses or irritates the sciatic nerve. The reasons may be

1. Herniated Disc
2. Spinal Stenosis:- This is a narrowing of the spinal canal can pinch the sciatic nerve.
3. Piriformis Syndrome.
4. Spondylolisthesis: slip of one vertebra over another.
5. Injury or Trauma:  Injuries to the lower back or pelvis.
6. Spinal tumors and metastasis.

Symptoms of Sciatica

The hallmark of sciatica is pain that starts in the lower back and travels down the leg. One might describe it as a

-Sharp, Shooting Pain: like an electric shock, shooting down your leg.

-associated with Numbness or Tingling in lower limbs. 

– sometimes presents with weakness: in legs, difficult to move due to it.

– Worsened by Sitting: prolonged sitting working patterns aggravate it. 

The intensity of the pain can vary from mild discomfort to severe debilitating pain.

How to diagnose?

It is essential to visit a spine surgeon to get evaluated with thorough clinical assessment and to diagnose radiologically with x-rays and MRI of the spine.

Management:-

Aim to address the cause

 – Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate your symptoms.

– cold compression and hot water fomentation.

– analgesics and muscle relaxants.

-physiotherapy to increase the flexibility, core and paraspinal muscles strengthening exercises.

-root blocks/caudal epidural blocks.

– Surgery is usually considered a last resort if other treatments don’t work.

Preventive measures

 *Exercise Regularly.

 *Maintain Good Posture.

 *Avoid sedentary lifestyle and habits(smoking and alcohol).

If you suspect you have sciatica or your symptoms worsen, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. Early intervention can help prevent complications with good chances of recovery.