Sciatica is pain in the lower extremity results from irritation of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica Pain is typically felt from the low back (lumbar area) to behind the thigh and can radiate down below the knee. ◾️🔹◾️
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body—it begins from nerve roots in the lumbar spinal cord (low back) and extends through the buttock area to send nerve endings down the lower limbs. 🔹
Radiculopathy=sciatic nerve pain due to irritation of nerves as a result of abnormal intervertebral disc pressure or disc herniation.
◼️ ◼️ ◼️ ◼️ ◼️
Other causes: irritation of the nerve; infection; spondylolisthesis; injury; spinal stenosis; cauda equina syndrome; or osteophytes.
◼️ ◼️ ◼️ ◼️ ◼️
TREATMENT OPTIONS
- ◾️Transcutaneous nerve stimulators (TENS units).
- ◾️Conditioning and stretching exercises (see graphic).
- ◾️Pain relievers, muscle relaxers, NSAIDS or anti-inflammatory drugs; Anti-depressants to reduce pain perception in the brain; prescription drugs: Gabapentin* (Neurontin) and duloxetine* (Cymbalta); and Cortisone medications (oral; local epidural injection*).
*I do not recommend these treatments unless your pain is intolerable and you’ve exhausted all other options.
