The spinal cord contains 31 pairs of nerves that provide sensation and movement to various regions of the body. These large nerves branch off from the spinal cord and exit the spinal canal through small openings in the bony vertebrae that make up the spinal column (backbone).
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body.
1. Inability to fully control bladder or bowel functions including urine retention. 2. Inability to achieve or sustain an erection. 3.Mild to moderate discomfort anywhere along the spine or the extremities including burning or radiating pain that extends down the arms or legs.
Age : Age-related changes in the spine, such as herniated disks and bone spurs, are the most common causes of sciatica. Strains : not warming up properly before physical activity. Obesity: By increasing the stress on your spine, excess body weight can contribute to the spinal changes that trigger sciatica. Diabetes : This condition, which affects the way your body uses blood sugar, increases your risk of nerve damage.
It's not always possible to prevent. The following can play a key role in protecting your back: Exercise regularly : To keep your back strong, pay special attention to your core muscles — the muscles in your abdomen and lower back that are essential for proper posture and alignment. Good posture : Choose a seat with good lower back support, armrests and a swivel base. Smoking : A significantly higher percentage of smokers have back pain incidences compared to non-smokers of the same age, height, and weight. Body weight : The weight people carry and where they carry it affects the risk of developing back pain. The difference in back pain risk between obese and normal-weight individuals is considerable. People who carry their weight in the abdominal area versus the buttocks and hip area are also at greater risk.
If your pain doesn't improve with self-care measures, your doctor might suggest some of the following treatments. Medication : Back pain that does not respond well to OTC painkillers may require a prescription NSAID. Codeine or hydrocodone, which are narcotics, may be prescribed for short periods. These require close monitoring by the doctor. In some cases, muscle relaxants may be used. Therapy : Physical Therapy : Applying heat, ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation — as well as some muscle-release techniques to the back muscles and soft tissues — may help alleviate pain.