Sciatic Nerve Leg Pain – What Can You Do About It?
A slight ache to severe pain indicates sciatica nerve leg pain. These pain sensations run from the lower back down the leg travelling through buttock. The sciatic nerve is the widest in diameter and longer in structure. When this nerve gets pinched due to any accident or injury, pain and discomfort develops. There are many reasons due to which the sciatica nerve gets trapped. The movement of disc traps the nerve sometimes. People who sit for longer period of time in incorrect or wrong positions are at higher risk of developing sciatic nerve pain. In some cases, this nerve gets trapped when you lift objects in incorrect manner. Other reason for sciatic nerve leg pain is dislocated disc.
Before we jump into sciatica nerve pain and what causes it, we should learn about our nervous system. Your nervous system is a vital part that controls all body parts and their functioning. The nerves are of three types:
Autonomic nerves
These nerves are active in controlling the involuntary or partially voluntary bodily functions. These include rate of heart, digestive system, blood pressure, regulation of body temperature.
Motor nerves
These work as intermediates between the brain and the spinal cord to various body parts. They control your movement by being an intermediate.
Sensory nerves
These are specialized nerves that transmit messages or sensations from the skin and muscles to the brain and spinal cord. This information or messages are then processed to let you experience emotions.
What causes sciatica?
As mentioned earlier, the common reason for sciatica is the ruptured disc which puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. Though it is a root cause, there are spine related conditions which give rise to sciatica-like symptoms and pain. Conditions such as narrowing of the spinal canal also known as spinal stenosis, bone spurs or bony growths caused due to arthritis, trapped nerve, etc., are responsible for one to develop sciatica nerve pain. In some rare cases, sciatica pain develops due to conditions which are not related to spine. Certain tumours or pregnancy cause sciatic nerve pain.
What are the symptoms to look for?
Along with a slight ache to sharp pain that travels from your lower back to the leg, there are other signs and symptoms too for you to consider. You may experience pain, weakness, numbness or tingling sensations in the leg.
Sitting or standing for a longer period of time or situations or movements where your spine flexes, these symptoms become worse. Walking a bit or lying down might provide you some comfort.
How it is diagnosed and what are the treatment options
If you have a medical history of spinal disorders or spine injuries, you need to consider meeting your doctor at the earliest when you start experiencing pain or tingling sensations in the leg. Physical examination, X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful in diagnosing sciatica. Treatment alternatives depend on the severity of your condition.
Treatment
In majority of the cases, sciatica pain goes on its own. But if it doesn’t go away, your doctor can put you on some medicines such as Tapentadol and exercise routine to help reduce the pain. Here are some easy ways to reduce pain:
Avoid sitting for longer period of time and it is better to take breaks and roam around for a few minutes.
You can also lie down if possible to prevent pain and discomfort.
As mentioned above, buy Tapentadol online and start consuming it as directed by the doctor.
Use a heating pad to reduce pain and discomfort caused by sciatica. Taking a warm shower is also a good way to reduce pain.
Sciatica pain can be reduced with medicines. However, you should know which medication to take for how long. It is important to take your doctor’s opinion into consideration when you are deciding your treatment options. It is not wise to take a medicine for longer as it might cause you severe side issues.
Exercising daily is a must because it keeps your entire body moving and flexible. However, do not put much strain on your spine muscles as it will make the situation worse than before. It is important to do exercise under supervision to not tear ligaments.