What is Sciatica And Its Risk Factors

Sciatica refers to the pain which comes from the sciatic nerves. It starts from the lower back through hips & buttocks and down to the legs. This condition affects one body part and it occurs due to herniated disc. This guide will give you a better understanding of sciatica along with its risk factors.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is the weakness, tingling, numbness, or pain anywhere beside sciatic nerve caused by nerve compression. This problem is also called lumbar radiculopathy. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back through the hips & buttocks and goes all the way to leg back to the feet. In the human body, the sciatic nerve is the longest and widest.

Symptoms

Typically, only one side of the body is affected. The symptoms of this problem can be mild to severe and the pain can be described as burning, sharp, or electric-like.

The problem can lead to tingling or numbness in one area of the nerve.

Sciatica occurs when the lower back nerve root gets irritated. Make sure you visit your ortho doctor to find the possible cause and get the best treatment plan.

Risk factors 

Given below are different things which can increase the risk of sciatica:

• Age 

People between the ages of 45 to 64 are at an increased risk of experiencing sciatica.

• Height and Weight 

The taller and heavier you are, your chances to develop sciatica will also increase.

• Gender

Studies have shown that men are likely to suffer from the problem of sciatica 3 times more as compared to women.

• Job reason

The type of work you do can also increase the risk. This means if you sit for a long time, or do strenuous activity then you can develop this problem.

• Overall health

A person is at higher chances of developing sciatica if they drink, smoke, or have diabetes. Additionally, taking too much stress can also increase the risk.

• Pregnancy

Pregnant women are also at increased risk of developing sciatica because of the weight and shape changes during pregnancy. However, lower back pain is not related to sciatica.

Sciatica Management

In most cases, the problem goes away on its own within a few weeks. This is why the doctor will recommend the initial treatment as over-the-counter pain medications, heat or ice pack on the problematic area. Additionally, you should follow a moderate exercise regime and do stretching. By doing these things the symptoms can reduce or it can go away totally.

However, if the home remedies do not ease the pain or the pain gets severe along with additional symptoms like:

• Leg weakness
• Loss of bladder control
• Numbness going from the feet up the legs

In such cases, you need medical attention from the best doctor to prevent the condition from getting worse.