You may have heard people complain of sciatica or refer to lower back and leg pain as sciatic pain, but what exactly is sciatica and how can you tell if you may be suffering from it? If you’re reading this post, chances are that lower back pain is affecting you or a loved one and you’re seeking answers regarding its underlying cause and how to resolve it. The world-class team at the New Jersey Spine Institute is here to help.
Studies estimate that 1%-5% of Americans experience sciatica annually, making it one of the most common types of back and leg pain. While sciatica symptoms resolve quickly for many patients, in some cases they can lead to chronic debilitation that affects mobility and quality of life over the long term.
At the New Jersey Spine Institute, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of sciatica. From mild cases to severe ones, we’ve helped thousands of patients move forward in life with reduced pain and increased mobility, and we can do the same for you. Below, our team has provided an in-depth overview of sciatica including its symptoms, causes, risk factors, and potential complications. We’ve concluded with some actionable tips on how to prevent sciatica from developing in the first place.
Still have questions about sciatica after reading the information below? Contact us directly at the New Jersey Spine Institute to schedule your initial consultation and receive a definitive diagnosis and personalized treatment plan for your back or spine pain.
Overview Of Sciatica
Sciatica is a term that describes pain and discomfort stemming from the irritation, compression, or injury of the sciatic nerve. Not a diagnosis in and of itself, it’s typically a symptom of an underlying injury or medical condition.
The two sciatic nerves (one on either side of the body) are the longest human nerves. Composed of multiple smaller nerves that branch out from the spinal column between lumbar and sacral vertebrae L4-S3 and come together to form a thick bundle, they run from the base of the spine through the buttocks and down the back of each thigh to just below the knee. There, each sciatic nerve splits into smaller nerves that extend into the lower legs, feet, and even toes. The sciatic nerves are responsible for connecting the central nervous system to the lower extremities and are integral to muscle control and sensation in the legs.
Sciatica occurs when one of the sciatic nerves (or any of the spinal nerves that bundle together to form it) becomes irritated, inflamed, pinched, or compressed. This can lead to pain that travels down the path of the sciatic nerve and may radiate into the buttocks or down the leg. Other symptoms of sciatica can include tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness, which may range from mild to severe, depending on the circumstances.
Sciatica-like symptoms can have a wide variety of different causes, including intervertebral disc issues, arthritis, traumatic injuries, spinal growths, and more. Frequently, they resolve on their own or with conservative treatment approaches, such as rest, physical therapy, steroid injections, and/or pain medication. In severe cases, a surgical treatment approach may be recommended for sciatica symptoms.
Symptoms
The symptoms of sciatica vary from case to case, depending on the extent of nerve compression or irritation that has occurred, its underlying cause, and the specific spinal nerves affected. At the New Jersey Spine Institute, our leading doctors regularly work with patients whose sciatica symptoms include some or all of the following:
- Pain that affects the lower back and may:
- Extend into the hips, buttocks, legs, and sometimes even feet
- Be shooting, burning, jolting, or feel like an electric shock
- Be triggered by bending, coughing/sneezing, or raising the legs while lying on the back
- Be worse at specific times of day or when standing or sitting for long periods of time
- Tingling in the hips, buttocks, or legs
- Numbness in the hips, buttocks, or legs
- Muscle weakness
- Urinary or bowel incontinence
If you experience urinary or bowel incontinence alongside back or leg pain, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Experiencing symptoms other than those listed above? Sciatica can manifest in many different ways and the knowledgeable team of specialists at the New Jersey Spine Institute can help you accurately pinpoint the underlying cause of your symptoms. Contact our clinic today to book an appointment and learn more!
When To See A Doctor
If back pain or other sciatica symptoms, such as tingling and numbness, are severe, ongoing, or impacting your overall quality of life, seeking a medical evaluation is highly recommended. A back pain doctor at the New Jersey Spine Institute can help you determine the cause of your symptoms and develop an individualized treatment plan that will allow you to regain your mobility and comfort.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical care as soon as possible:
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Severe pain
- Sudden sciatic symptoms following a traumatic incident such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury
Causes
Sciatica symptoms can be caused by any condition that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve or the spinal nerves which bundle together to form it. At the New Jersey Spine Institute, some of the most common causes of sciatica pain we diagnose and treat include:
- Disc herniation
- A herniated disc can place pressure on the nerve roots that contribute to the sciatic nerve.
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Degenerating spinal discs may compress the sciatic nerve as they bulge and deteriorate.
- Spinal stenosis
- Narrowing of the spinal canal can contribute to compression of the spinal cord and the sciatic nerve.
- Arthritis of the spine
- Arthritis can lead to narrowing of the spine and the formation of bone spurs that increase pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Bone spurs
- Bone spurs may compress the sciatic nerve roots as they exit the spine.
- Pregnancy
- Sciatica can occur during pregnancy due to changes in posture, weight distribution, and increased pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Tumors, cysts, or other growths on or near the spine
- Tumors and cysts take up physical space in the spinal canal which can lead to increased pressure on sciatic nerve roots.
- Traumatic injuries involving the spine, including spinal or pelvic fractures
- Traumatic injuries like spinal fractures may compress nerves and lead to sciatica.
Risk Factors
Sciatica can affect anyone, but certain factors may put patients at higher risk of developing it. These include the following:
Age
The likelihood of developing sciatica symptoms increases with age. As the spine undergoes normal wear and tear over time, degeneration of its structures may begin to occur and the risk of injury may also become greater. Herniated discs and osteoarthritis are two age-related conditions that often lead to nerve compression and sciatica-like symptoms.
Obesity
Carrying excess weight can put extra strain on the back muscles and compress the spinal column, leading to nerve irritation and sciatica symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight can be key to reducing sciatic nerve dysfunction.
Occupation
Individuals who work at jobs where frequent bending, heavy lifting, or working in awkward or unusual positions is required may be at increased risk of developing sciatica symptoms.
Prolonged Sitting
Leading a sedentary lifestyle or working at a job where periods of prolonged sitting are the norm can lead to increased pressure on the lower spine and the development of sciatic pain.
Diabetes
Patients living with any form of diabetes may be at higher risk of developing sciatica due to factors including nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy), inflammation, and circulatory complications that can impact blood flow to the spine.
Complications
Mild sciatica symptoms may resolve on their own, but should always be evaluated by a medical professional if persistent. In some cases, long-term risks and complications may arise if the causes of sciatica pain are not diagnosed and managed in a timely manner. Complications of sciatica can include:
- Chronic pain
- Chronic muscle weakness
- Difficulty walking
- Loss of feeling in the affected leg
- Permanent nerve damage
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
Prevention
It may not always be possible to prevent sciatica symptoms from developing, but the tips below can contribute to consistently healthier spine health overall:
- Maintain A Healthy Weight – Eating a nutritious diet and shedding extra pounds can relieve pressure on the spine (and other joints) and contribute to a pain-free lifestyle. Speak with your doctor and/or nutritionist to learn more about how to safely achieve and maintain a healthy weight for your body.
- Stay Active – From taking movement breaks during your work day to getting outdoors for a walk or hitting the gym, there are plenty of ways to stay active. The benefits of an active lifestyle are far-reaching and can help to prevent the development of sciatica symptoms. Speak with one of our spine specialists for recommendations on low-impact exercises to suit your lifestyle!
- Quit Smoking – Tobacco usage is associated with a reduction in blood flow to the spine and can be a risk factor for the development of sciatica pain. Quit smoking to improve the health of your spine and minimize the risk of future pain and discomfort.
- Use Proper Lifting Technique – When lifting is necessary, be sure to hold heavy loads close to your chest and lift with your legs. Ask for help when needed and make use of workplace equipment that can reduce the amount of lifting required.
- Invest In Back Support – If sitting at a desk is a necessary part of your day, invest in a chair with proper lumbar support and remember to take frequent movement breaks where you can engage your abdominal muscles. Standing desks are another option worth exploring.
- Improve Core Strength – Spine health is supported by strong, engaged abdominal muscles. Take the time to improve your core strength and reap the benefits of a decrease in back pain and instability. The team at the New Jersey Spine Institute can offer personalized guidance.
- Protect From Falls – Wear proper footwear and protective equipment when engaging in activities where the risk of a fall is present.
- Take Adequate Recovery Time – If you do experience a fall, accident, or other traumatic injury to your spine, take adequate time to rest and recover before returning to high-impact activities. Our team at the New Jersey Spine Institute can recommend effective rehabilitation exercises and a timeline that will allow you to make a safe and gradual return to your active lifestyle.
Conclusion
To recap, sciatica refers to pain and discomfort stemming from the irritation, compression, injury, or inflammation of any of the spinal nerves that comprise the sciatic nerve. Not a diagnosis in and of itself, it can be caused by a wide variety of different injuries and medical conditions including disc issues, arthritis, spinal fractures, spinal stenosis, and more. Proper diagnosis and treatment is vital to the resolution of sciatica symptoms, and the leading team of surgeons at the New Jersey Spine Institute possesses the extensive training, experience, and expertise to help.
For state-of-the-art sciatica treatment, including herniated disc treatment, spinal stenosis treatment, spinal arthritis treatment, and much more, contact our clinic to book your initial consultation today. We look forward to working with you!