Sciatica, a painful sleep disturber
Sciatica is typically the result of pain that runs along the large sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back down through the buttocks and along the back of each leg and is a relatively common cause of leg and back pain.
Sciatica is typically caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve as a result of a herniated disc (referred to as a bulging disc, ruptured disc or pinched nerve). Sciatica is often diagnosed as a "radiculopathy", which means that a disc has protruded from its normal position in the spine and is putting pressure on the radicular nerve (nerve root).
For some people, the pain from sciatica can be severe and debilitating. For others, the pain might be infrequent and irritating. However in either case the situation has the potential to get worse.
Sciatica typically primarily affects one side or leg of the body with the pain radiating through the buttock and/or leg.
One or more of the following can point towards sciatica as a problem:
- Pain in the buttocks and/or leg that is worse when sitting
- Burning or tingling down the leg
- Weakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg or foot
- A constant pain on one side of the buttocks
- A shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up
Even though sciatica may be painful it rarely results in permanent nerve damage or tissue damage. In fact, most pain symptoms result from inflammation and tend to get better within two weeks to a few months. Additionally, as the spinal cord is not present in the lower (lumbar) spine a herniated disc in this area typically doesn’t present a danger of paralysis.
The fact is that any condition that causes irritation or impingement on the sciatic nerve can cause the pain associated with sciatica. However, the most common cause is lumbar herniated disc. Nerve pain is typically caused by a combination of pressure and inflammation on the nerve root, and treatment is centered on relieving both of these conditions.
This information sponsored by: Heavenly Sleep – Memory foam mattress toppers.
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