ألم العصب الوركي (عرق النسا) (sciatica)

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Sciatic Nerve Pain (Sciatica)

 

On this page, you will find everything you are looking for concerning sciatic nerve pain (sciatica).

What is Sciatic Nerve Pain (Sciatica)?

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, extending from the lower spine, passing through the hips, and running down the back of the legs to the feet.

Sciatic nerve pain occurs when there is pressure or irritation on the sciatic nerve, resulting in pain that radiates from the lower back or hip down to the legs and feet, often lasting four to six weeks or longer.

What are the Symptoms of Sciatic Nerve Pain (Sciatica)?

  • Symptoms include:
  • Sharp, shooting, or burning pain..
  • Numbness.
  • Weakness.

Tingling sensations.

  • These symptoms occur in the hip area, the backof the legs and feet, and the toes. 

Pain in the lower back.

Symptoms may worsen at night, or with movement, sneezing, coughing, or straining during bowel movements.

  • What Causes Sciatic Nerve Pain (Sciatica)?
  • A herniated disc between the spinal vertebrae, causing bulges that press on the sciatic nerve, is one of the most common causes.
  • Back injury.
  • Narrowing of the spinal canal where the nerves pass through, causing pressure on the sciatic nerve.
  • Slipped vertebrae causing pressure on the nerves passing between the vertebrae.Piriformis syndrome)
  • Compression of the piriformis muscle in the pelvis and upper thigh on the sciatic nerve (Piriformis syndrome).

Bone spurs in the spine.

  • Factors That May Increase the Risk of Sciatic Nerve Pain:.  
  • Age: People aged 30 to 50 are more commonly affected by sciatica.
  • Lifting heavy objects incorrectly.
  • Stress.
  • Obesity, which can put pressure on the sciatic nerve.
  • Sitting for longperiods incorrectly.
  • Diabetes, whose complications include neuropathy.

Arthritis.

How is Sciatic Nerve Pain (Sciatica) Diagnosed?:

  • The doctor takes the patient’s medical history and conducts a physical examination. Additional procedures may be requested as needed, such as:
  • Examining the spine.
  • X-rays or MRI scans.

Laboratory blood tests.

How is Sciatic Nerve Pain (Sciatica) Treated?

  • Treatment can be conducted through multiple procedures or as needed and may include the following:
  • Pain relievers.
  • Anti-inflammatory.  medications.
  • Physical therapy exercises, tailored to the cause of sciatica, aim to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, such as stretching exercises for the buttocks and thighs, along with specific back exercises. Avoid exercises that increase pain, like running and cycling.
  • Steroid injections.
  • Avoid sitting for long periods; try to change your posture to alleviate pressure from the hip on the nerve.

Surgery may be required in some cases, but about 90% of individuals improve without it.

If symptoms are mild, they may improve within days without specific treatment, but pain usually eases after 4-6 weeks, although in some cases it may persist longer.

  • How to Prevent Sciatic Nerve Pain (Sciatica)?
  • Weight loss through exercise and healthy eating.
  • Avoid injuries to the spine.
  • Avoid sitting constantly for long periods.

Maintain proper posture.

  • What are the Complications of Sciatic Nerve Pain (Sciatica)?
  • Worsening symptoms.
  • Persistent leg weakness.

Persistent leg numbness.

When Should You See a Doctor?

  • If:
  • The pain worsens.
  • The pain prevents you from performing daily tasks.
  • The pain is in both sides of the body.
  • There is severe weakness or numbness in both legs.
  • There is numbness in the genital area or the anal region.
  • Treatment options are ineffective.
  • You experience difficulty or pain when urinating.

 

There is redness or swelling in the back.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does Sciatica Affect Both Sides of the Body?

Pain is usually on one side of the body, either the left or the right, but in some cases, it may affect both sides.

  • How Can You Cope with Sciatic Nerve Pain (Sciatica)?
  • Adhere to the instructions of your doctor and physical therapist.
  • Engage in exercises that suit your health condition, such as stretching exercises.
  • Ensure to sit correctly.
  • Maintain the correct posture when standing, sitting, and lifting objects.

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