Lower back pains could be a sign of sciaticaLower back pains are very common, especially in the old age. Many assume that it is just a sign of aging. However, such pains have also been observed in younger age groups, including teenagers. Consequently, it has been assumed that these pains are not normal. These pains could actually be related to sciatica. Sciatica is a condition caused by the stressing of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is directly joined to the spine, running all the way from the lower back to the lower part of the legs. This qualifies it as one of the longest nerves.

Causes of sciatica and its symptoms

The sciatic nerve causes pains whenever it is stressed by its surroundings. This could be through the inflammation of muscles when they are injured or even displacement of bony parts such as the bones of the spines. Excessive pressure on the lower back due to obesity and pregnancy is also a major cause of the condition. However, sciatica is not only caused by physical stresses. Specialists have discovered that sciatica could also be a sign as well as the aftermath of spine diseases. It is therefore, advisable to visit your doctor whenever you have persistent pains in the lower region of the body. Sciatica can be detected from a number of symptoms. They include:

  • Experiencing persistent pains around the buttocks and thigh areas
  • General muscle weakness around the abdomen and thighs, resulting in difficulties in movement of legs and feet
  • Pains in the legs and thighs when squatting or after sitting or standing for a period of time.
  • Numbness in the legs, lower abdomen and also the buttock area.

Whenever one or more of these symptoms are identified, a quick visit to a doctor is advisable. The doctor is sure to diagnose the disease and give the required treatment. Diagnosis can be done in several ways, including X-ray scans, CT scans, and electromyography as well as nerve conduction tests.

Prevention and treatment of sciatica

As stated earlier, anyone can be a victim of this condition. Therefore, prevention is vital, especially for those who have experience the condition before. Since sciatica is mostly a consequence of physical stresses, practicing proper postures could prevent the occurrence of the condition. This includes the standing posture, sitting posture as well as sleeping posture. The postures should be aimed at applying minimal stress on the back. Regular walks, weight management, stretching, occasional swims and the bending of knees when lifting heavy objects could also be of help. For those recovering from the condition, abdominal exercises should be done to ensure a strong abdominal support. Avoiding high shoes as well as frequent changes in posture could also ensure quick recovery. Proper resting can be a substitute to treatment. However, for serious sciatica conditions, painkillers and pain relief injections should be administered.