One unfortunate twist, one wrong bend—and it’s already happened: You feel a sharp, stabbing pain in your back, and the pain even radiates down into your legs, buttocks, the back of your knees, or your feet. This points to a problem with the sciatic nerve. The effects can confine patients to bed for days and make normal movements a veritable ordeal.
Here you’ll find further information as well as a selection of sciatica specialists and treatment centers.
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body. It connects the spinal cord to the legs. The fibers of this nerve, which originate in the lowermost part of the spine, control muscle movement.
The sciatic nerve causes severe pain when it
. This is nerve pain, not muscle tension.
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body. It connects the spinal cord to the leg muscles © Nathan Devery com | AdobeStock
This condition is also known as sciatica or sciatic syndrome.
If you experience sudden back pain after an awkward movement, lumbago (lumbar pain) is the most likely cause at first. However, these symptoms must be distinguished from those of sciatica: With lumbago, the pain is limited exclusively to the back. Sciatic pain, on the other hand, can also radiate all the way down to the feet and cause numbness.
Some patients also experience a combination of both sets of symptoms. This is referred to as lumbosciatica.
Symptoms of typical sciatica can occur very suddenly. The person affected can no longer move properly, and the pain persists even at night. It begins in the lower back and radiates
. As a result, muscle tension can develop due to the spasmodic, protective posture. This tension can also cause pain or restrict mobility.
There are various reasons for sciatic nerve irritation:
Pregnant women may also suffer from sciatica, for example, if the unborn child is pressing on the nerve.
Piriformis syndrome, which involves the gluteal muscles and is characterized by compression of the sciatic nerve, can also cause symptoms.
For sciatic pain, rest during the acute phase is one of the most effective ways to provide some relief. The person affected should try to lie down and avoid putting strain on the area. The legs and hips should form a right angle.
Heat has also proven effective for sciatica. Heat improves blood circulation and relieves tension and muscle spasms. If you have a cherry pit pillow, you can use it: the pits retain heat for an extended period.
If the symptoms become too severe, medication can be taken for sciatic pain. Pain relievers help prevent the person from tensing up further. Muscle spasms can worsen the pain and increase pressure on the already strained nerve.
If the symptoms are “only” pain, the patient can wait a few more days before seeking medical treatment. However, if neurological deficits develop, you should definitely see a doctor.Neurological problems often occur with sciatica.
After a physical examination, the doctor will prescribe specific medications or administer them via injection. Options include pain relievers or muscle relaxants.
Other treatment methods include physical therapy. This also helps restore mobility.
Mud packs or heat lamps can also have a supportive effect. They help relieve any tension and muscle spasms.
There is no 100% protection against sciatic pain or lumbosciatica. Nevertheless, patients can take steps to reduce the risk somewhat.
Targeted strengthening of the supporting back muscles is an effective measure. A strong back can “forgive” the occasional mistake. The muscles are thus much better able to cushion stress.
Similarly, back training programs have proven effective. Here, patients learn how to minimize strain on their backs during everyday activities, such as sitting or lifting objects. Otherwise, improper strain and poor posture could contribute to the development of sciatica.
Relaxation exercises also play an important role. Patients can incorporate exercises into their daily routine that reduce the risk of tension and muscle spasms.
