Sciatic Nerve Pain

Irritation of sciatic nerve is largely responsible for causing sciatic nerve pain. The pain related with this condition is often felt in the low back region from behind the thigh and it tends to radiate below the knee. In many cases this condition is caused by disc herniation or inflammation or irritation of the nerve because of some other reasons.

The irritation or inflammation of nerve causing sciatic nerve pain may also result from tumors or infections and internal bleeding as well. The symptoms related with this condition include numbness along with burning sensation and tingling feeling radiating from lower back or upper buttock region down towards the back of leg or thigh.

In case of severe sciatic nerve pain patients may find it difficult to even walk. The symptoms related with this condition may also become worse by bending from the waist or walking and rest can provide relief from the symptoms and the pain. The diagnosis of this condition is done through medical history along with physical examination.

Certain tests that can be done so as to identify the causes of sciatic nerve pain include MRI scan, electromyogram and CT scan as well. Patients also tend to experience lower back pain as a part of the problem. Piriformis syndrome can also result in this condition and in this the piriformis muscle may compress or irritate the sciatic nerve to cause the pain.

Other causes of sciatic nerve pain include ruptured disk that may occur due to bending over or lifting. In the case of ruptured disk the pain may be severe and may spread down one leg and may also be experienced in the foot region. The pain related with this condition can be irritating and infrequent in some cases or severe and continuous in others.

While the nerve pain is problematic it does not result in permanent nerve damage. The pain resulting from inflammation can get better in a period of two weeks to approximately few months. Symptoms requiring medical emergency include increasing weakness within the leg and bowel or bladder incontinence.

The treatment for sciatic nerve pain can include non surgical treatments. These treatments include stretching or back exercises. The exercises can help in providing relief from the pain and also prevent other symptoms related with this condition. Surgery for this condition may include lumbar laminectomy or microdisectomy. This can help in removal of the disc portion that irritates the nerve root.

Other treatment options that can be pursued to get some relief from the pain include ice and heat packs that may be applied to the affected areas at regular intervals. Acupuncture and massage therapies can also be pursued to get relief from the pain related with this condition. Those suffering from this condition may also take some non steroidal anti inflammatory medicines. The medicines prescribed as a part of this condition include ibuprofen and other oral steroids or over the counter drugs. Regular exercise and rest can help in recovering from this condition effectively.