Sciatica

Sciatica is the name given to any sort of pain that is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.

The sciatic nerve

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It runs from the back of your pelvis, through your buttocks, and all the way down both legs, ending at your feet.

Anything that compresses or irritates the sciatic nerve can cause a pain that radiates out from your lower back, and travels down your leg to your calf. Sciatic pain can range from being mild to being very painful.

A slipped disc can cause sciatica

Sciatica can have a number of causes, such as a herniated disc (often referred to as a slipped disc). This occurs when one of the discs that support the vertebra (the individual bones that make up your spine) gets temporarily pushed out of position and presses on your sciatic nerve.

In many cases of sciatica, there is no obvious cause. However, in some people, it is thought that a combination of muscle, joint and bone strain may lead to sciatica.

Types of sciatica

There are two types of sciatica:

• Acute sciatica: lasts up to six weeks.
• Chronic sciatica: lasts longer than six weeks.

Most cases of acute sciatica will pass without the need for treatment. Using a combination of over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, exercise and hot or cold packs can often help to relieve the symptoms of sciatica.

In the case of chronic sciatica , you may require some structured physical exercise under the supervision of a physiotherapist. In very rare cases, surgery may be required to control the symptoms.