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Sciatica (aka Lumbar Radiculopathy)
Sciatica or Lumbar Radiculopathy is a pain that is caused by irritation of the nerve roots of the L3 llumbar vertebra down to the S1 sacral nerve. The symptoms can be brought on by falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and many other life experiences.
RISK FACTORS between the ages of 30 and 50, people begin to experiece changes in their spine that can cause Sciatica suh as: deterioration of spinal discs, herniated spinal discs, tumors and spinal stenosis (spinal narrowing).working in a seated position for prolonged periodsrepetitive twisting of the waist especially while lifting loadsdriving for prolonged periodssedentary life styleDiabetes can weaken the nerves and increase the chance of nerve damage
SYMPTOMS
Depending on which level of nerve or nerves is affected, you will have varying symptoms. Here are the more common. Sciatica from L4 nerve root (usually affected by the L3 and L4 vertebras)
reduced knee-jerk reflexlow back painpain and/or numbness to the medial lower leg and footdifficulty with heel walking
Sciatica from L5 nerve root (usually affected by the L4 and L5 vertebras)
weakness in extension of the big toeinability to pull ankle and toes upward when walking (called foot drop)lower back painpain and/or numbness to the top of the foot, especially in the web between the first (big) toe and the second toe.
Sciatica from S1 nerve root (usually affected by the L5 vertebra and the sacrum)
reduced ankle-jerk reflexpain and/or numbness to the lateral or outer footdifficulty with walking on tiptoes
Pressure on the sacral nerve roots from SI (scroiliac) joint dysfunction
sciatica-like pain or numbness that is often described as a deep ache within the legpain down back of the thigh to the feet and toes
Pressure on the sciatic nerve from the Piriformis muscle (aka Piriformis Syndrome)
sciatica-like pain and/or numbness in the leg, more intense above the knee, and usually starts in the buttock region rather than the low back, often sparing the low back of symptoms or signs
TREATMENTS rest, most often alleviates on its owniceheat, after acute stagenon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)conservative sports chiropractic caresoft tissue therapies / massageacupuncturephysical therapycortizone injectionssurgery
PREVENTION
Most often, it is not possible to prevent Sciatica, but here are a few suggestions that may decrease your chances or at the very least help to increase your healing rate.
perform regular exercises to improve strength and flexibility of the abdominals, low back, hip and upper leg musclesmaintain proper posture when seatedchange / modify job positiondo not work / play through the painperform activities with proper body mechanics
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