Sciatica - Medtick

Sciatica

What is it?

It is when one of the spinal discs gets moved or splits (herniated disc) and the fluid inside the disc leaks and bulge out, it can then put pressure on a nerve causing pain.

  • The pain can develop in the damaged area and also depending what nerve is affected to those parts of the body.
  • One can have numbness and tingling from the neck, along the arms to fingers or it can also press on the sciatic nerve (a nerve which runs down the back of your body to your feet) one can get sciatic pain called sciatica.
  • It is common between the ages of 30-50 year olds with men twice as likely to get this condition compared to women.
  • It can take from four to six weeks to recover for a slipped disc (sciatica up to 12 weeks), most of the time the body will shrink back the disc hence not pressing on the nerve and easing the pain, but for this too occur one must be actively moving after a few days rest initially.

The spine 

  • The spine has 24 separate bones called the vertebrae and sit on top of each other.
  • The spinal cord passes in the middle of the vertebrae and contains a lot of nerves that connects from parts of the body to your brain.
  • Between each vertebrae there are a protective pads called discs which contain a fluid like substance, they help to cushion the vertebrae when one moves around.

Diagnosis test

Cause

Symptoms

(Depending on nerve affected)

  • Long lasting aching pain(sciatica)?
  • Tingling sensation in one or both legs?
  • Numbness in groin, buttock, leg and/or foot area?
  • Sharp pain spread down and/or sharp tingling or numbness sensation  to thighs and/or buttocks?
  • Aching, painful muscles, muscle cramps/spasms/stiffness?
  • General discomfort (muscle weakness), uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise) and/or fatigue (tiredness)?
  • Increase thirst, heavy sweating and need to urinate frequently?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Do not wait phone for an ambulance if have or develop:


This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Sciatica in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

Diet, Exercise and Body Manipulations

Please have a MRI scan before doing any exercise, all images of the spine must be examined before doing any core posture exercises and then discuss with your healthcare professional on which core exercises will be appropriate as this could vary from individual to individual.