Pain in the leg caused by compression or impingement of the sciatic nerve. The pain usually originates from the back and often radiates to buttock and leg. Rarely, it can also be bilateral.
CAUSES
- Direct compression of sciatic nerve
- Inflammation
- Disc herniation
- Degeneration of tissues
- Spinal stenosis
- Piriformis syndrome
- Joint dysfunction
- Infection
- Tumor
- Scar tissue formation
SYMPTOMS
- Pain
- Constant or intermittent pain
- Burning sensation or shooting pain
- Often more severe pain in the leg as compared to the back
Altered sensation
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Pins and needles sensation
- Weakness
- Difficulty lifting the foot off the floor due to feeling of heaviness in the leg
- Posture related pain
- Severe pain while sitting, prolonged standing, forward bending or twisting the spine
TYPES
- Acute sciatica
- Recent onset
- Pain duration lasts up to 4-8 weeks
- Chronic sciatica
- Persistent pain
- Lasts for more than 8 weeks
- Alternating sciatica
- Affects both legs alternately
- May result from degenerative changes in spinal joints
- Bilateral sciatica
- Occurs in both legs together
- May occur due to degenerative changes in the vertebra or discs
RISK FACTORS
- Certain type of occupation (truck driver, machine operators)
- Smoking
- Poor posture
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Mental health issues
- Genetics
- Vitamin b12 deficiency
ASSESSMENT & DIAGNOSIS
- Physical examination
- Special clinical test
- Diagnostic imaging test (MRI,)
PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT
ELECTROTHERAPY
- Heat therapy
- Ice therapy
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
- Ultrasound
EXERCISE THERAPY
- Stretching exercises
- Strengthening exercises
- Core strengthening exercises
- Aerobic exercises
