Sciatica

Sciatica is pain coming from the nerve that stretches from the lower back to the feet (sciatic nerve). Sciatica is often caused by some sort of spinal pressure and may be caused by a tumor or pregnancy.
The most common cause is a herniated or slipped disk that causes pressure on the nerve root.
Symptoms

Back pain

  • More than 8 weeks, Less than 8 weeks

  • Occurs or worsens by coughing or sneezing, Occurs or worsens with forward bending or axial loading, Occurs or worsens with sitting

  • Stabbing or shooting or burning

  • Lower

  • At spine

  • Radiates to the knees, Radiates to the feet, Radiates to lower leg, Radiates to the thighs

common

Anterior thigh pain positive test

common

Gradual lower limb weakness

or Numbness or tingling in legs, feet, or buttocks

common

Risk factors

Herniated disc

Bad posture or rotated position

or Heavy lifting

Degenerative Disc Disease

Lifestyle involving little or no physical activity

Overweight or obese

Pregnancy

Treatment
For most people, sciatica responds to self-care measures: 1-Cold packs and hot packs. 2-Stretching exercises for the lower back. 3-Pain relievers. If the pain doesn't improve with self-care measures, the doctor might suggest some of the following treatments: 1-Medications as anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants. 2-Steroid injections. The option of surgery is usually reserved for when the compressed nerve causes significant weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or when the pain progressively worsens or doesn't improve with other therapies.
Recommended specialist

If you have Sciatica, then a visit to an orthopedic surgeon is highly recommended.

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Orthopedic surgeon

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