Sciatica

Sciatica is a disease described as a weakness or sensory change, explained as pins and needles, along the path of the sciatic nerve.

The sciatic nerve travels behind the hip, back of the thigh, and down to the foot.

This nerve is responsible for the control of many of the lower extremity muscles and is also responsible for feelings of the thigh, leg, and foot.

Symptoms of severe nerve impingement, loss of bladder or bowel control, weakness of the lower extremities, and large loss of sensation are of serious concern.

Causes

There are many conditions that may result in the nerve becoming stretched or impinged, pinched.

Common disorders that may produce sciatica include

• Herniated/bulging disc
• Spinal stenosis
• Piriformis syndrome
• Facet hypertrophy

Diagnosis of sciatica includes a physical examination looking for places of tenderness and testing the range of motion of the lower body.

Radiographic imaging, X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or bone scanning, may be used if the physician suspects something specific.

Treatment

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal inflammatory drugs)
• Acetaminophen
• Muscle relaxants
• Epidural steroid injections
• Lysis of adhesions
• Infusion techniques
• Transcutaneous electrical stimulation
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Deep tissue massage
• Physical therapy
• Disc decompression
• Trigger point injections
• Biofeedback