Common symptoms and treatments of sciatica
Sciatica is a common type of neuralgia, usually caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body, extending from the waist to the back of each leg. Sciatica not only brings severe pain, but can also seriously affect daily life, work and social life. Understanding its symptoms, causes and treatments is essential to relieve pain and return to normal life.
Common symptoms
1.Pain
The most notable feature of sciatica is pain, which usually starts in the lower back and radiates to the buttocks and back of the legs. The pain may be sharp, tingling or burning, and sometimes even affects sleep. For example, Ms. Wang, 35, felt lower back pain spreading to her left leg because she sat in the office for a long time, and the severe pain affected her normal activities.
2.Sensory changes
Many patients feel numbness, tingling or ants crawling in their legs or feet. For example, Mr. Zhang, 45, felt numbness in his left calf when walking, especially after climbing stairs, which affected his daily activities.
3.Muscle weakness
Some patients experience leg muscle weakness, which makes walking difficult and increases the risk of falling. Ms. Li, 50, found that her left leg became weak when walking, and she even needed to rely on handrails to go up and down stairs.
4.Aggravating factors
The pain of sciatica may be aggravated by coughing, sneezing, or sitting for a long time. For example, Mr. Liu, 30, had worsening pain when playing basketball, and even couldn't continue his gardening hobby.
5.Unilateral symptoms
Sciatica usually affects only one side of the body, and patients may feel pain and discomfort in one leg. For example, Ms. Chen, 60, felt that the skin on her left leg was very sensitive to temperature changes, which affected her daily activities.
Causes
1.Herniated or slipped discs
Herniated or slipped discs may compress the spinal nerve roots and cause sciatica. For example, Ms. Wang's herniated disc caused nerve compression, and she experienced significant pain and numbness.
2.Vertebral osteoarthritis or bone spurs
With age, degenerative changes may occur in the vertebral joints, forming bone spurs that compress the nerve roots. For example, Mr. Liu, 70, had sciatica caused by bone spurs, which was relieved through medication and physical therapy.
3.Spinal stenosis
Stenosis of the spinal canal may compress the nerves and cause sciatica. For example, Ms. Zhang's spinal stenosis was treated with surgery and her symptoms improved significantly.
4.Piriformis syndrome
Spasm or inflammation of the piriformis muscle may irritate the sciatic nerve. For example, Ms. Li, 45, received acupuncture treatment for piriformis syndrome and relieved pain and numbness.
5.Tumors and trauma
Although rare, tumors or trauma may compress the nerves and cause sciatica. For example, Mr. Chen, 30, had sciatica caused by a car accident and gradually recovered through surgery and rehabilitation.
6.Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the enlarged uterus may compress the sciatic nerve. For example, Ms. Zhang, 25, experienced sciatica during pregnancy and improved through physical therapy and posture adjustment.
Treatment methods
1.Medication
Common medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, aspirin), which are used to relieve pain and inflammation. For severe pain, doctors may prescribe analgesics or muscle relaxants. For example, Mr. Liu’s pain was significantly relieved after using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and he resumed normal activities.
2.Physical therapy
Physical therapy includes heat, ice, ultrasound therapy, etc., which is designed to relieve pain and reduce muscle tension. For example, Ms. Li improved her pain and function through physical therapy and resumed her daily activities.
3.Sports and exercise
Moderate exercise such as stretching, yoga and Tai Chi can strengthen the back muscles and improve spinal stability. Mr. Zhang improved the strength of his back muscles through regular exercise and reduced the risk of sciatic nerve compression.
4.Traditional Chinese medicine treatment
Traditional Chinese medicine treatment includes Chinese medicine, acupuncture and massage, which can help reduce inflammation and pain. For example, Ms. Chen relieved her symptoms and improved her quality of life through acupuncture treatment.
5.Bed rest
During the acute attack period, proper bed rest can reduce the tension of nerves and diseased tissues. For example, Ms. Wang obtained pain relief by bed rest during the acute attack period.
6.Surgical treatment
For severe sciatica, especially when caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, surgical treatment such as a discectomy or spinal decompression may be required. For example, Mr. Liu had a discectomy and his pain was significantly reduced, allowing him to return to a normal life.
7.Lifestyle adjustments
Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and improving the work environment can reduce the occurrence of sciatica. For example, Mr. Zhang successfully reduced his symptoms by adjusting his sitting posture and controlling his weight.
Preventive measures
1.Maintain a healthy weight: Losing weight can reduce pressure on the spine.
2.Exercise regularly: Strengthen the muscles of the lower back and reduce the risk of nerve compression.
3.Improve the work environment: Take regular breaks, maintain good posture, and avoid sitting for long periods of time.
4.Proper lifestyle: Avoid overwork, keep warm, and have regular physical examinations.
5.Learn to relax: Relieve stress and anxiety through meditation, deep breathing, etc.
Conclusion
Early diagnosis and treatment of sciatica are very important and can effectively relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. With timely treatment, the condition can be controlled, complications can be reduced, and quality of life can be improved. If relevant symptoms occur, seek professional medical help as soon as possible to achieve the best treatment effect.