What is Sciatica ?
Sciatica is when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your spine through each of your legs to your feet, becomes irritated . This can cause you to feel any or all of the following:
- Numbness
- Pain that is burning, shooting or stabbing — pain may worsen when you change posture, cough, move or sneeze; if you only have back pain ,you most likely don’t have sciatica as sciatic pain is felt in several areas, not just your back
- pins and needles
- Weakness
Risk factors for sciatica include:
- Age — as you get older, your risk increases
- Being overweight or obese
- Being tall — if you are tall and aged 50-60 you are at greater risk
- Family history — sciatica runs in families, suggesting genetics contributes to your risk
- Medical conditions — this includes:
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Your lifestyle — if you smoke, or spend a lot of time sitting down or being inactive you are at greater risk
- If your workplace has poor ergonomics (the physical environment of your workplace) you are also at greater risk.
Sciatica treatment
How to treat sciatica pain at home
There are a number of things you can do to help relieve sciatica symptoms and aid recovery:
Continue your normal activities as much as possible — staying active and moving helps
Maintain good posture especially when sitting
Perform regular back stretches
Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) eg ibuprofen — paracetamol is usually not enough on its own to relieve sciatic pain; speak to your pharmacist for advice on NSAIDs for sciatic pain
When sleeping, place a cushion between your knees if you are on your side or under your knees if you are on your back
It is also helpful to try to follow good practices when it comes to your body mechanics eg:
- If standing for a long time, occasionally rest one foot on a small box or stool
- If lifting something heavy, bend your knees, keep your back straight and hold the object close to you — ideally, find someone to help you lift heavy or bulky objects and avoid lifting and twisting simultaneously
If these home treatments do not work, your symptoms suddenly get worse or your symptoms are preventing you from carrying out your everyday activities, see your GP
Your GP will initially suggest painkillers and exercise for sciatica relief. They may refer you to a Physiotherapist to teach you which exercises and massage techniques will be beneficial. However, NHS waiting times for physiotherapy are often long. They may also refer you for psychological support to help you better cope with your sciatica.
When to seek urgent treatment
Go straight to A&E or call 999 if you have:
- Difficulty controlling when you have a bowel movement, if this is not normally a problem for you
- Difficulty urinating, if this is not normally a problem for you
- Numbness around your anus, buttocks and/or genitals
- Sciatica on both sides
- Weakness or numbness in both your legs which is severe or worsening
- These are symptoms of a serious back problem.
What is the prognosis for Sciatica?
National Institute for Health Care Excellence (NICE guidelines)advice that episodes of Sciatica are usually transient, with rapid improvement in pain and disability seen within a few weeks to a few months. Half of people recover spontaneously within 6 weeks. Most of the people experience an improvement in symptoms over time with either conservative treatment or surgery. Up to one third of people report persistent back pain of at least moderate intensity 1 year after an acute episode requiring care, and episodes of back pain often recur.
Factors associated with poor prognosis are:
Workplace factors-time off work, problems or dissatisfaction at work, heavy work, or working unsociable hours.
Psychological factors-low or negative mood, stress: the belief that pain and activity are harmful ;the belief that the problem will last along time
NHS waiting times for physiotherapy are often long and if you wish to proceed with Physiotherapy treatment our Physiotherapist at Ellie Physiotherapy & Wellness would love to support and help you to relief your sciatica pain.
You can book an appointment with us online or alternatively call us at T:07539441325 .