Sciatic is a condition where one experiences nerve pain that shoots along the path of the sciatic nerve, traveling from the lower back through the buttocks, hips, and both legs. Sciatic nerve pain is usually caused by irritation, compression, inflammation, or a pinched nerve. The condition mostly occurs due to a herniated or slipped disk. Though the pain may be severe in most cases, the condition can be managed with timely diagnosis and treatment.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?
Although some cases of sciatic nerve pain may be severe, most cases get clear up in a few weeks. Some of the symptoms experienced by sciatica patients are:

• Loss of bladder and bowel control
• Numbness or weakness in the lower back, leg/feet, and buttocks
• Pain that worsens with movement
• Moderate to severe pain in the buttocks, lower back, and legs
• Pins and needles feeling in the toes, legs, and feet

What are the risk factors for sciatica/sciatic nerve pain?
Sciatic nerve pain affects around 40% of people in the country. Here are some of the risk factors that may increase the development of sciatic nerve pain.

• Previous injury
  A past injury or trauma to the lower back may put one at an increased risk for sciatic nerve pain.
• Lack of a strong core
  The muscles of the back and abdomen are known as the core. The stronger the core, the more support can be provided by the lower back. A weak core may not be able to provide the needed support, causing pain and other symptoms.
• Inactive lifestyle
  Lack of exercise and sitting or lying in a single place for a prolonged period may make the muscles inflexible. This can lead to pain in the lower back and the development of other symptoms, increasing the discomfort of the patient.

What are the causes of sciatic nerve pain?
Sciatic nerve pain can be caused due to several health conditions. This includes:

• A slipped or herniated disk
  One of the top causes of sciatica is increased pressure on the sciatic nerve. According to statistics, around 1-5% of people experience slipped disks once in their lifetime. When a herniated disk occurs in vertebrae in the lower back, it may put immense pressure on the sciatic nerve, pressing it down and causing pain and inflammation in the affected area.
• Degenerated disk disease
  Aging may cause the natural wear down of the disks between the vertebrae of the spine. When this happens, it may shorten the disks’ height and lead to the narrowing of the nerve passageways. Further, this may cause pinching of the sciatic nerve roots, resulting in symptoms such as pain in the lower back and inflammation.
• Spondylolisthesis
  A condition causing the slippage of vertebrae leads the vertebrae to become out of line with the ones above them. This narrows down the opening through which the nerve exits. Furthermore, the extended spinal bone adds further pressure to the nerve and pinches it, bringing about pain and discomfort.

How is sciatic nerve pain diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis
Before the diagnosis, the healthcare provider may ask the patients about their health history and symptoms. Then, during the physical exam, they may ask the patients to walk to see how the spine carries the person’s weight. Further, the doctor might ask the patient for a straight leg test to see the origin of the pain. In addition, the doctor might also ask for spinal X-rays, MRIs, and nerve conduction velocity test to determine the exact cause of the pain.

Treatment
Depending on the cause of the sciatic nerve pain, most cases go away over time with the help of self-care treatments and remedies. These various treatment methods aim to provide relief from symptoms and increase mobility.

• Using ice packs/hot packs
  Patients with sciatic nerve pain may experience a decrease in their mobility. This can be countered by applying cold packs/ice packs for 20 minutes. If the pain persists, the patient is urged to switch between hot and cold packs to relieve discomfort.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
  Cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, aids in the management of sciatic nerve pain by training the patients to react differently to the pain. Usually, CBT is used together with other pain management methods to provide relief.
• Surgery
  If the sciatic nerve pain does not respond to the other treatment methods, then the doctor may suggest surgery as a remedy. This includes lumbar laminectomy, where the spinal cord in the lower back is widened to reduce the pressure on the nerves. Additionally, discectomy or entire/partial removal of the herniated disk is also recommended.

In case the symptoms persist, patients are advised to seek professional health advice at the earliest for a treatment plan that works for them.