SCIATICA

SCIATICA

Pain in distribution of sciatic nerve or its component is called sciatica.It is mainly caused by lumberdisc prolapsed. Sciatica is a condition in which the pain is typically perceived as radiating from the low back to the posterior buttocks, posterior thigh, and occasionally below the knee into the posterior calf and foot.A disc herniation or degenerative changes in the lumbar spine can lead to sciatica.

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and is formed by the conjoining of the fourth lumbar, fifth lumbar, first sacral, second sacral, and third sacral nerve roots .The sciatic nerve travels from the front of the pelvis to the buttock region through an opening called the greater sciatic foramen. From there, it continues to the hamstring musculature in the posterior thigh, traveling below the knee where it divides into two nerves, the tibial nerve and peroneal nerve. The condition is known as sciatica since it results from pressure on or restriction of the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica pain may be associated with pins & needles, a hot/burning feeling, numbness, a feeling like electric shocks, or pain that is made worse with the touch of clothing or bedsheets.

AETIOLOGY

NERVEinjury due to infection/trauma

Tumour of cauda equine

Thrombosis

Protruded intervertrebal disc

Arthritis

T.B

Spondylitis

Bony tumour

Secondary carcinoma

10. Injury in pelvis

11. Hip joint dislocation

12. Fracture

13.
Herniated lumbar discs

14.
Degenerative Disc Disease

15.
Diabetes

16.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

17.
Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

18.
Piriformis syndrome

19.
Spinal Tumors and Infections

Symptoms of sciatica

A cramping sensation of the thigh

Shooting pains from the buttock, down the leg

Tingling, or pins-and-needles sensations in the legs and thighs

A burning sensation in the thigh

Losing control of bowel or bladder - this is a sign of
Cauda Equina Syndrome
which is an emergency situation and requires immediate medical attention.

INVESTIGATION OF CASE OF SCIATICA

History of : trauma,infection T.B,leprosy,radiation

Physical Examination

a.Lumbar spine

b.Shape

c.Size

d.Mobility

e.Tenderness

f.Spinal carries

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.

Self-help tips

• You can safely apply a heat or ice pack to the painful area for 10 minutes to reduce the inflammation.

• Wearing flat, soft shoes may prevent jarring of the spine when you walk. Other women find that shoes with a bit of heel eases their back pain. Ask your physiotherapist for advice about the best shoes for you.

• Stay mobile and avoid sitting still for long periods, as this may trigger the pain.

• Listen to your body and stop doing whatever is causing you pain.

• Watch your posture and try to keep your back as straight as possible. While seated, use a small bolster cushion or a rolled up towel behind your back to support the spine.

• Use pillows and cushions to support your bump in bed.

• Avoid heavy lifting. If you do have to lift anything, always bend from your knees and keep your back straight.

Homeopathic approach to Sciatica:
Homeopathy is the only form of treatment that has shown an overwhelming positive response in treating Sciatica. Constitutionally prescribed Homeopathic remedies can effectively and permanently reduce pain and other symptoms of Sciatica.