What is Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition where there is a pain that starts in the lower back, which then travels down the leg. The Sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the body.

It’s formed by the spinal nerves which leave the spinal canal through the intervertebral foramen. An opening located between the vertebrae and behind the intervertebral discs.

These nerves travel to the area in the front of the sacrum and joint to make the sacral plex.

All the nerves in the plexus expect S3 are split into two divisions anterior and posterior. Anterior divisions of the L4, L5, S1, S2 and the entire S3, nerve create the tibial nerve, while posterior divisions of the l4 l5 s1 and s2 form the common fibular nerve. These two nerves are bound together by connective tissue and make up the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica occurs when there is an irritation to any part of the sciatic nerve that forms it. The causes of Sciatica can be divided into two groups spinal and non-spinal. Poor posture traumas, physical activity, and strong rotational movement can cause herniation where the disc bulges out in one direction. If it bulges outwards the center of the spinal cord it could compress multiple nerve roots on both sides or laterally compressing one nerve root on one side.

Another cause of nerve compression is spinal stenosis which is the narrowing of the spinal canal or intervertebral foramen. Nonspinal causes occur outside of the spinal region and cause compression or damage to the sciatic nerve.

Pregnancy is another potential cause of sciatica when sitting the fetal head presses down on the sciatic nerve on the area just before it exits the pelvis.

Other nonspinal causes include trauma to the leg and pelvic tumors which can damage or compress the nerve directly in sciatica.

Symptom & Signs

The main symptom is aching and sharp leg pain. It radiates along the middle or lower buttock and on the back or the outer side of the thigh.

Below the knee, the pain usually follows the dermatome distribution. For example, if the L4 nerve root is compressed the pain will radiate alongside the medial side of the leg. If the S2 nerve is compressed the pain would mostly be felt along the back of the leg.

This pain could begin suddenly usually the disc herniation, piriformis syndrome or trauma it could also develop slowly, like if it’s caused by a tumor or spinal stenosis where the pain increases over time.

Sciatic pain is typically unilateral, meaning its only located on one side. Bilateral sciatica where both legs are affected can occur with central disc herniation, lumbar stenosis or spondylolisthesis.

Sometimes the pain can be accompanied by other sensory or motor dysfunctions like numbness motor weakness and reduction or loss of reflexes.

S1 spinal nerve compression affects the ankle jerk reflex while l4 nerve compression affects the knee-jerk reflex.

Natural Remedies For Sciatica

Massage

Massage is an ancient technique which has been giving results ever since. Mixing 3 tablespoons of nutmeg powder into one cup of sesame oil. make the mixture warm a little bit with the help of a microwave.

After that, let it cool and massage the lower back, buttock, hips and your affected leg, with this mixture when it is still warm. You should repeat this process several times a day.

Hot or Cold Compress

For acute sciatic pain, heat or ice packs are readily available and can help alleviate the leg pain, especially in the initial phase. Heat relaxes the tight muscles that may

be pushing on the C attic nerve the cold treatment reduces the swelling around the nerve, along with helping to numb the pain.

Usually, ice or heat is applied for approximately 20 minutes and repeated every two hours. Most people use ice first, but some find more relief with heat.

Epsom Salt

The mineral magnesium is crucial for healthy nerve function. Epsom salt is a combination of magnesium and sulfate and is easily absorbed through the pores of the skin. A hot bath combined with two cups of Epsom salt will give you astonishing relief from sciatica guaranteed!

Stretches for Sciatica Pain

Knees to Chest: Lay flat on your back with your knees bent and soles of the feet on the floor. Slowly hug your knees into the chest hold for 30 seconds and repeat on the other side.

Seated Hip Stretch

Sit in a chair with your feet on the floor and knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Then raise the affected leg up and cross that ankle over the opposite knee. Then gently bent forward over the crossed leg, breathing deeply and holding for 30 seconds.

Standing Hamstring Stretch

Start by standing tall with feet together. Then lift the affected leg straight out in front of you and rest the heel on a Ledge or table that is just under hip width high.

Keeping the knee and spine straight until you feel a stretch in the back of the leg. Return to the starting position then repeat on the other side.

Reduce Inflammation

A large number of risk factors cause inflammation, which makes it harder to heal from wounds and increases pain. To battle inflammation and enhance your odds of feeling better more rapidly make sure to eat nutritional food for better healing.