Do you feel a sharp or burning pain starting in your lower back and going down your leg? If yes, you might have sciatica (also called ischia’s). This condition can be a little uncomfortable for some people but very painful for others.
At Brain Tower, a top hospital for brain and nerve care in Jaipur, we know how hard it can be to live with this kind of pain. That’s why we’ve written this blog to help you understand what sciatica is, what causes it, what the symptoms are, and when you should see a neurologist.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a pain that travels along the sciatic nerve. This nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It starts from your lower back, goes through your hips and buttocks, and travels down each leg.
When something presses on this nerve, it causes pain or weakness. Sciatica is not a disease but a sign that something is wrong in your spine, like a slipped disc or narrowing of the spine.
What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica?
The main symptom of sciatica is pain that starts in the lower back and goes down the leg. This pain can be :
- Sharp
- Burning
- Like an electric shock
Other symptoms may include:
- You may feel like part of your leg is dead or asleep
- Muscle weakness in your leg
- Pain when sitting or standing for too long
- Trouble walking, sleeping, or bending
Usually, only one side of the body is affected.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica usually happens when something presses on the sciatic nerve. Here are the most common causes:
1. Herniated (Slipped) Disc
This happens when the soft part between the bones of your spine comes out and pushes on the nerve.
2. Spinal Stenosis
This means the space inside your spine is getting smaller and presses on the nerve.
3. Degenerative Disc Disease
As you get older, the discs in your spine can wear out and cause nerve pain.
4. Piriformis Syndrome
A small muscle in your buttocks may press on the nerve and cause pain.
5. Injury or Accident
A fall or accident that hurts your lower back may lead to sciatica.
6. Tumours or Infections (Rare)
Sometimes , a tumor or infection in the spine may press on the nerve and cause similar pain.
Who Can Get Sciatica?
Anyone can get sciatica, but some people are more likely to have it:
· People who sit for long hours, like office workers or drivers
· People who do heavy lifting or physical work
· People who are overweight or obese
· People who have poor posture
· People with diabetes
· People who are over 30 years old
When Should You See a Neurologist?
In some cases, sciatica goes away on its own with rest, exercise, and simple care. But if the pain doesn’t get better, or it gets worse, you should see a neurologist or a spine specialist.
You should see a doctor if:
· Your pain is very strong and not going away
· Your leg feels numb or weak
· The pain started after an accident or injury
· You have trouble controlling your bladder or bowels (this may be a serious emergency)
Neurosurgery doctors in Jaipur can help you find out what’s causing your pain and suggest the best treatment.
How Is Sciatica Diagnosed?
The doctor will start by asking you about
- Your symptoms
- When the pain started
- What makes it better or worse
They will check your legs, balance, and how you move. To know more, they may ask you to do
· X-rays- to look at the bones
· MRI or CT scan- to see soft tissues like discs and nerves
· EMG (nerve test)- to check how well your nerves are working
Treatment for Sciatica
1. Medicines
Doctors may give painkillers, anti-inflammatory pills, or muscle relaxants.
2. Physical Therapy
Special exercises and stretches can help take pressure off the nerve and make your back and leg stronger.
3. Lifestyle Changes
You can prevent sciatica from coming back by:
· Losing extra weight
· Sitting with good posture
· Taking breaks if you sit for long
· Lifting objects safely
4. Steroid Injections
Some people get injections near the nerve to reduce swelling and pain.
5. Surgery
If none of the above treatments work and pain is very bad, surgery may be needed to remove pressure on the nerve.
How to Prevent Sciatica
Here are some simple tips:
· Sit with your back straight
· Don’t sit or lie down for too long
· Exercise regularly to keep your back strong
· Lift heavy things the right way (bend your knees, not your back)
· Maintain a healthy weight
These small changes can make a big difference in keeping your back and nerves healthy.
Conclusion
Sciatica is painful, but it can be treated. If you have leg or back pain that doesn’t go away, don’t ignore it. Getting the right treatment at the right time can save you from more serious problems.
The expert team at Brain Tower, including top neurosurgery doctors in Jaipur, is here to help you get relief and feel better.
