Sciatica is a common condition characterized by pain that radiates from the lower back through the buttocks and into the legs. It occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the back of each leg, becomes compressed or irritated. Symptoms include sharp pain and burning sensations along the path of the sciatic nerve. The pain is usually only on one side of the body and can worsen with coughing or sneezing. Sciatica may be caused by spinal issues like herniated discs or bone spurs that pinch the sciatic nerve. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and having proper posture can help prevent sciatica.

1. LogintoHealth – Healthcare Services Platform
© 2017-18 Aaapke Doctors Services LLP. All Rights Reserved.
Sciatica: Everything You Need To Know!

2. Meaning and symptoms of Sciatica :
© 2017-18 Aaapke Doctors Services LLP. All Rights Reserved.
Generally, old people suffer from the pain in the nerve.
One such common disease is known as Sciatica. It
refers to the pain that is along the sciatic nerve. Hence,
the name sciatica. The pain starts from the lower back
and ends at end of your leg through your buttocks.
Generally, Sciatica affects only one part of the body.
When does Sciatica happen?
 Sciatica occurs when the herniated disk or the
narrowing of the spinal cord compresses the part of
a nerve. It may also result due to a bone spur. This
results in pain, numbness, and inflammation in the
affected leg.
 Sometimes, the pain associated with sciatica can
turn severe and may require surgical treatments.
However, the surgery is only required in the cases
where there are bowel or bladder changes.
Symptoms of Sciatica
• Pin from the lower back via buttocks to the lower leg is
the hallmark of sciatica.
• There will be sharp pain and burning sensation.
• Sometimes, it feels the current passing through the
nerve.
• The pain only on one side of the body.
• Numbness in the affected leg, tightening of the muscles.
• Extreme pain when you cough and sneeze.
One should opt for immediate medical relief in the case of
above symptoms.

3. Causes of Sciatica
© 2017-18 Aaapke Doctors Services LLP. All Rights Reserved.
Sciatica pain may arise when the nerve gets pinched.
Sometimes, it may be due to the overgrowth of a bone
spur in the vertebrae. It may even be compressed with
a tumor or diseases like diabetes. Some of the other
causes of Sciatica are-
1. Age – It is one of the most important factors in
Sciatica. Herniated disk and bone spur is most
common in old age and thus, results in sciatica.
2. Obesity – People with excess weight have a
tendency to increase the stress on the spine with
excess body weight. This may trigger changes in the
spinal cord and thus, sciatica.
3. Occupation - Sometimes your job demands to carry
heavy material on your back or twist your back. It may
even require driving the vehicles for a long period of
time, thus, play a major role in causing Sciatica.
4. Diabetes – People with high sugar levels can
increase the nerve damage. This can also turn into
Sciatica.
5. Prolonged Sitting – It is a condition in which people
may sit for a long duration of times. People with a
sedentary lifestyle, are more prone to Sciatica.

4. Complication and Preventions for Sciatica :
© 2017-18 Aaapke Doctors Services LLP. All Rights Reserved.
Complication of Sciatica
Although, mild Sciatica can heal on its own without any
treatment. But, Sciatica can cause nerve damage to an
extent causing permanent damage to the nerves. There
might be some complications as well like-
• Loss of sensation and feeling in the affected leg.
• Significant damage or loss in the bowel or bladder
function.
• Weakness in the leg with Sciatica.
Prevention of Sciatica
It is almost impossible to prevent Sciatica. But some key
factors can play important role in protecting you from
Sciatica for a long period of time. These key factors are-
1. Exercise - One should exercise regularly. Always pay
special attention to your back and core of the muscles. You
can even ask your Orthopedician for some exercises that
will keep your abdomen and lower back in proper posture.

5. Preventions for Sciatica :
There is a non-surgical alternativeas well which has been found to bequiteeffectivein therecent years which is known as Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS). This is a non-invasivetechniqueand requires no cuts or incisions. Heat generated through ultra soundwaves areused to destroy or shrinkthefibroids.
© 2017-18 Aaapke Doctors Services LLP. All Rights Reserved.
There is a non-surgical alternativeas well which has been found to bequiteeffectivein therecent years which is known as Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS). This is a non-invasivetechniqueand requires no cuts or incisions. Heat generated through ultra soundwaves areused to destroy or shrinkthefibroids.
2. Emphasize on body mechanics - Body mechanics
should keep in mind to keep your body in good
condition. Some of them are :
• When you stand for long period of times, try to rest
one foot on a stool or on a box.
• If you carry heavy weight for a long time, allow your
lower extremities to do the work.
• Always keep your back straight and bent only knees
while lifting something heavy.
• Always, ask a lifting partner if the object is very heavy.
3. Proper posture is important while sitting – Always
choose a seat with armrest and good lower back
support. Always consider placing a small pillow in the
back to maintain a normal curve.
Therefore, Sciatica is not untreatable, it can be treated.
But one has to take proper care. So, always consult the
Orthopedic when you feel that you are suffering from
Sciatica. You can consult some of the well known
Orthopedic at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central.

6. Contact Us
Aapke Doctors Services LLP
Masuma Linjavi
+ 91 8080802665
admin@logintohealth.com
https://www.logintohealth.com
© 2017-18 Aaapke Doctors Services LLP. All Rights Reserved.