Sciatica spreads along the sciatica nerve branching from the lower back through the buttocks and hips and down to the leg. Generally, sciatica affects only one side of the body. It occurs when a bone spur on the spine compresses part of the nerve. This causes pain, inflammation, and some numbness in the left leg. You can treat your sciatica in Shrewsbury if the pain gets worse.

Symptoms

Pain that circulates from your lower spine to the buttocks and down to the back of the leg is a hallmark of sciatica. You can feel discomfort anywhere along the nerve pathway, but it is likely to follow your lower back to the buttocks and at the end of your calf and thigh.

Pain can differ widely, from a sharp ache to a mild, excruciating pain or burning sensation. Sometimes it feels like an electric shock or a jolt. It can worsen when you sneeze or cough, and sitting for an extended period can aggravate the symptoms. Some people have tingling, muscle weakness, or numbness in the affected leg. You can have numbness on one part of the leg and pain in the other.

What causes sciatica?

Herniated disk. A herniated disk is the most common cause of sciatica. Disks behave like cushions in between the vertebrae of the spine. These disks tend to weaken as you grow old and are exposed to injury. Sometimes the gel-like disk presses on the spinal nerve which causes a radiating and localized pain called sciatica.

Osteoarthritis. This is the wear and tear of soft tissue and joint bone with age or injury. Facet joints of the spine are vulnerable to osteoarthritis. When weak bones and facet joint bones are inflamed and irritated, the surrounding nerves may be as well. In most cases, bone spurs might develop and add pressure on nerve roots resulting in sciatica.

Spinal stenosis. This is the abnormal narrowing of the lower spinal canal. The narrowing can add pressure on the sciatic nerve roots or spinal cord and irritate them. It occurs mainly in older adults; it causes less constant or more back pain, with leg numbness or pain soon as a person starts walking.

Prevention

It is not usually possible to prevent sciatica, but the condition might recur. You can play a crucial role in protecting your back by doing the following:

Maintain a proper posture when you sit. Select a seat with armrests, a good lower back, and a swivel base. You can place a rolled towel or a pillow in the small of the back to maintain the standard curve. Keep your hips and knees level.

Exercise regularly. Pay attention to your core muscles to keep your back strong; the lower back and abdomen muscles are essential for proper alignment and posture. Your doctor can recommend special activities.

Sciatica can make it difficult to perform daily activities, as it is a painful condition. There are several ways to relieve pain. In many cases, the pain is over within a couple of weeks. You should talk to your doctor if symptoms don’t go away with home treatment or if they are complicating your daily activities.