SCIATICA

Sciatica is referred to as pain along the course of the sciatic nerve which runs from the back of the buttock and thigh, down the inside of the leg to the ankle. The pain is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve due to injury or slipped disc of the spinal column.

CAUSES

•  Injury to your lower back or spine
• Slipped disc of the spinal column.
• Excessive strain during weight lifting or any physical exertion.
• Tumors in and around the sciatic nerve.
• Pregnancy – as the weight of the fetus pressing the sciatica nerve during sitting.

SYMPTOMS

• Pain radiating from the lower back (lumbar spine) to the buttock and down the back of the thigh.
• Numbness and tingling.
• Sharp, stabbing, electric shock sensation in back or legs.
• Burning or prickling sensations.
• Difficulty raising the heels off the ground, pain is more when standing.

COMPLICATIONS

If not treated, it may cause permanent nerve damage.

INVESTIGATIONS

Physical examination –
1. Straight Leg Raising Test – It is common to test used to identify impairment in disc or nerve root irritation during physical
examination of the patient with low back pain. Here the Doctor will ask you to lie down on your back and raise your leg without bending the knee. This test will be considered as positive when pain occurs
while raising the leg between 30-60 degrees from the floor and pain radiating below the knee.

2. You may be asked by your Doctor to walk on your toes or heels, rise from a squatting position to check your muscle strength and reflexes. Pain from sciatica will usually get worsen during these activities.

• X-ray of the spine – May reveal an overgrowth of the spine that may be pressing on a nerve.
• MRI – This procedure produces detailed images of bone and soft tissues such as Herniated Discs.
• CT Scan.
• Electromyography (EMG) – This test measures the electrical impulses
  produced by nerves and responses of your muscles. This test can confirm the
  herniated discs or narrowing of your spinal canal.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

• For Sciatica due to Slipped Disc, continuous bed rest for 10-15 days, with the knees and the hip joints slightly flexed is the routine initial treatment along with medicines for pain relief.
• Cold packs or hot packs for temporary pain relief.
• Do exercises or yoga to correct your posture, strengthen the muscles
  supporting your back and improve flexibility.
• Certain exercises may not be recommended depending on your health condition. Ask your doctor before practicing any exercise or yoga.

HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

Homeopathic treatment mainly focuses on addressing the underlying root causes of sciatica. Homeopathic medicines work by reducing pain and preventing complications. This treatment helps first by stopping the progression of illness, reducing the pain, and then a permanent cure for sciatica. The big advantage of Homeopathic treatment is that once treated the chances of relapse are very less. Homeopathic treatment, other lifestyle changes, and a better nutritional diet can help much better way for a permanent cure for sciatica.
Although most people recover from sciatica, if not treated, sciatica can potentially cause permanent nerve damage. Seek immediate medical attention if you have: Loss of feeling in the affected leg, weakness in the affected leg, loss of bowel or
bladder function. If Homeopathic treatment has been taken on time, we can prevent surgery in cases of sciatica. Moreover, the prescribed remedies are safe, natural and free from side effects.