What are the symptoms of sciatic nerve damage?
Have you ever experienced a sharp, shooting pain down your leg that made it feel like your body was under attack? If so, chances are you have sciatic nerve damage. Don’t worry – it’s nothing to be ashamed of! Sciatic nerve damage is more common than you think and we’re here to give you all the information that will help alleviate some of those painful symptoms.
What is sciatic nerve damage?
Before we dive into the signs and effects of sciatic nerve damage, let’s first understand what it means. The sciatic nerve is the largest single nerve in our bodies. It runs from each side of our lower spine down through our hips and buttocks into both legs before splitting at the knees into smaller nerves.
Causes
Sciatica can occur for many reasons including poor posture, improper sleeping habits or even high heels (yes ladies). Most commonly though, spinal injuries such as herniated discs or bone spurs pinch or put pressure on this important neural pathway resulting in pain.
Herniated Discs
Of course there isn’t just one type either so pop yourself a squat because here comes science!
A herniated disc occurs when some jelly-like material within your vertebrae seeps out and puts pressure on spinal nerves. This pressing causes them to become pinched which can lead to violent episodes where everything below feels very much broke.
### Bone Spurs
On occasion osteophytes also called ‘bone spurs’ may grow as result arthritis causing additional masochistic discomfort but don’t worry once again we’ve got ya covered!
The good news is that while this kind of pain is obnoxious-even infuriating-physical therapy exercises focused on stretching or yoga pose(technical term) escalation coupled with improved self-care (eating regularly,dodging tight clothes) typically solve issues short of requiring surgery.
Symptoms
We know that sciatic nerve damage can hurt like heck, but how do you know if it’s actually sciatica? Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Pain in the lower back or buttocks that radiates into one or both legs
- Numbness, tingling or a burning sensation down the leg
- Difficulty moving the leg or foot
- Weakness in the affected leg.
If these symptoms persist over longer periods of time they may lead to even more complications including further reflex and posture issues not limited as when nerves disturb bowel and bladder function-it’s all downhill from there! Don’t wait – call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these signs!
Additionally see somebody soon if:
Burning pain sensitizer overwhelms mobility; movement results in involuntary bawlerina twirls
Motor functionality has decreased notably on one side which I swear was never this noticeable before
You don’t have to live with discomfort-so why should you?
Treatment
We’ve covered what causes sciatic nerve damage and its nasty consequences – now you’re probably wondering what treatments will make things better. Luckily, several options exist ranging from physical therapy exercises focused on stretching/lower-back muscle strengthening to spinal injections-in fact 75% of folks typically recover pre-feudal-times modeless.
Physical Therapy
Starting light exercise regimen such as taking walks helps heighten flexibility keeping muscles fortitude thus reducing sensitivity. PT often helpful.
#### Surgery
Considering different forms (minimally invasive/microdiscectomy)of Spinal surgery also viable if intense discomfort persists after traditional natural conditioning fails observation is recommended prior.
Medication
Ass-u-med-A/Alieve/Advil) useful upon occasion specifically during severe episodes where narcotics supervision proposed by healthcare professional.
Some Additional Tips For Relief
Wanna feel good again? Hang on, Here are some of our favorite tips to give you relief from sciatic nerve damage:
- Yoga! This activity has been known to help release tension and ease pain in a tight back. In particular the “reclining pigeon pose” is wonderful for loosening up hip and lower body muscles.
- Use heat or cold packs on the affected area – try experimenting with both to find your preference
- Good posture – upright physicality helps avoid pinching off nerves by straightening spinal positioning
- Seek care earlier than later listen willingly responding promptly is advantageous
So when faced with symptoms best course forward remains rolling up dignitously—martialing against Sciatica not only good strategy but implementable too.