Everything you need to know about sciatica

What is Sciatica:

Sciatica refers to the pain picture that occurs as a result of compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, either at the root or in its path when exiting the spine. The sciatic nerve is formed by the union of the roots of L4, L5, S1, S2 and S3 at the junction of the pelvis.

"Having a caliber of approximately 2 centimeters you can say that it is the largest nerve in our body," says Daniela Silva, Vithas International Internal Medicine specialist.

It is estimated that the annual prevalence of low back pain in the adult population ranges, according to different European studies cited by the expert, between 22 and 65%. A high percentage of these cases is secondary to pathology of the sciatic nerve.

The causes of sciatica:

The most common causes of sciatica are those that generate compression or pinching of the nerve. The most frequent examples are:

• Herniated discs
• Small vertebral spurs
• Narrowing of the vertebral canal
• Muscle contractures
• Overweight and obesity. 

There are other less common causes such as:

• The presence of tumors
• Diabetes
• and a sedentary lifestyle by spending a lot of time sitting.

Treatment of sciatica 

The most common is that the sciatica pictures resolve in less than two weeks. However,

“sciatica can become chronic and difficult to treat with analgesics and conventional therapies. Therefore, it is very important that, in case of presenting a sciatica-compatible condition, we should consult our GP as soon as possible, ”warns the Internal Medicine specialist.

Zones that reflect pain in patients with sciatica 

Silva explains that “sciatica usually presents with pain that can vary from mild to acute and severe sensation, electric shock type. The pain usually occurs in the lower lumbar region and radiates through the back of the thigh, sometimes even reaching the calf. Sometimes it can occur bilaterally, that is, on both legs, but usually it only affects one of them. ”

In a sciatica crisis there may be pain accompanied by a feeling of paraesthesia, that is, a decrease in sensitivity, usually in the back of the thigh and in the front of the leg. These symptoms can be reversible if the underlying cause is treated and nerve compression is resolved.

Sciatica and pregnancy 

Sciatica is very common in pregnant women, especially when entering the third trimester, when the uterus has distended due to the increase in the size of the baby and begins to exert more pressure on the pelvis. It is here that the sciatic nerve forms and continuous pressure at this level is the cause of pain. Silva adds that it can also occur as a consequence of a piriformis syndrome, that is, the sustained contraction of the piriformis muscle, which is located in the deep part of the gluteal region and that, when contracted, compresses the nerve at this level.

For this reason, in pregnant women it is highly recommended to practice yoga and perform stretching throughout the entire chest, as these exercises help reduce pressure and avoid contractures.

Prevention and treatments

The best way to prevent sciatica is through a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, the practice of physical exercise and avoiding heavy weight. All this will help prevent the development of herniated discs, overweight and diabetes. For people who handle heavy loads as part of their job it is very important that they wear a lumbar girdle or protector.