MAIN Health Diseases & Conditions Sciatica

The sciatic is the longest nerve in the body, starting from the pelvic area, across the buttock and running straight down the leg.

Little wonder, then, that when the sciatic nerve is disturbed the pain that radiates along its path can be (to say the least) difficult to ignore.

The condition, known as sciatica, is caused when undue pressure is applied to the nerve either from an injury to the spine, such as a slipped or herniated disk, or stress on the lower back associated with other conditions such as pregnancy.

The most common symptom of sciatica mimics the pain of a severe leg cramp. Depending on where damage to the nerve occurs, pain may be accompanied by numbness or "pins and needles" tingling, a burning sensation or general weakness in the leg and knee.

Given proper rest and care, the nerve usually heals itself and pain gradually dissipates over time. Depending on the severity of pain, aspirin or ibuprofen, muscle relaxants, or cortisone injections may be prescribed, along with urging of regular exercise which helps ease inflammation. Relief for aching muscles can also be found in gentle cold or hot compresses.

Along with traditional treatments, alternative therapies may include commonly used herbs such as ginger and turmeric to help ease inflammation and acupuncture for pain. Mineral supplements such as calcium, magnesium, along with B-complex vitamins may also help reduce the tingling sensation and speed up sciatic nerve recovery.

Elsewhere on the Web, find out more at expert sites offering tips & advice on how to avoid risk, ease symptoms, or when to seek a doctor's help for acute or chronic sciatica ...

more in Health: Nervous System

Sciatica - Mayo Clinic - Comprehensive guide to the topic with facts & information on risk factors, diagnosis & treatment, related complications, including a discussion on acupuncture, hypnosis and other alternative remedies.

Sciatica - Information from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons including typical symptoms and treatment, searchable database of U.S. orthopaedic surgeons, with hyperlinks to more on herniated disks, Cauda Equina syndrome, lower back surgery.

Medinfo : Sciatica - Causes, common treatments, and a discussion focusing on symptoms of sciatica indicating more serious conditions, advice on when when to seek a doctor, related links and suggested reading.

Alternative Treatments to Reduce Sciatica - Advice on relieving pain with acupuncture, acupressure, yoga and biofeedback techniques with practical tips on reducing pain and avoiding risk.

The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook - Information on poultices and herbal formulations showing anecdotal evidence of pain relief.

also see in Diseases -> Arthritis | Lupus | Gout

also see -> Foot Pain | Back Pain | Knee Pain | Leg Pain

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.