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Did you know that the sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body? Running from the lower spine down to the foot on both sides, if you ever feel radiating pain, chances are the sciatic nerve is involved.

Referred to by doctors as sciatica, pain along the sciatic nerve can feel anywhere from bothersome to severe and debilitating. But for patients who are struggling to treat and prevent sciatica, knowing how and why it occurs can mean all the difference.

However, at a certain point, you may need to go to the emergency room due to your back pain. There are three main circumstances accompanied by back pain in which you should seek immediate medical attention. Doing so in a timely fashion could prevent disability and even death.

How Nerves Work

The peripheral nervous system (to which the sciatic nerve belongs), is composed of nerves exiting the spine and extending to the extremities. When a peripheral nerve is irritated, compressed, or inflamed, it sends electrochemical signals to the brain, which interprets the aggravation as the sensation of pain.

What You Can Do to Prevent Sciatica

Because the sciatic nerve is part of a large, complex system of nerves, muscles, and other tissue in the spine and back, one of the best and easiest ways to prevent sciatica is to care for your back as a whole. This includes supporting your lower back with proper posture when sitting and standing, avoiding obesity or being overweight, and keeping your muscles conditioned with regular exercise and stretching.

Frequent degenerative, age-related changes in the back, also known as arthritis, can contribute to or even cause sciatica. For this reason, keeping active, fit, and at an ideal weight is doubly important as we age.

Why Protecting the Sciatic Nerve is Crucial

If you suspect you have sciatica, talk to a doctor right away. Leaving sciatica untreated can result in permanent nerve damage, which can mean permanent pain. Permanent nerve damage can also mean permanent numbness to those parts of the leg to which the nerve lends feeling, and even weakness to the muscles that the nerve controls.

Why Protecting the Sciatic Nerve is Crucial

If you suspect you have sciatica, talk to a doctor right away. Leaving sciatica untreated can result in permanent nerve damage, which can mean permanent pain. Permanent nerve damage can also mean permanent numbness to those parts of the leg to which the nerve lends feeling, and even weakness to the muscles that the nerve controls.

Treatment Options for Sciatica

Treatment options for sciatica include rest, ice, and physical therapy. Your doctor may prescribe NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications) such as ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve), muscle relaxers, and possibly corticosteroids for helping with the pain and inflammation.

Additionally, diagnostic studies may be performed, such as MRIs, to understand the root of the problem. If additional studies show that there is significant inflammation or pressure on a specific nerve root where it exits the spine, an epidural steroid injection may be recommended.

For severe cases, surgery (such as a microdiscectomy) may be recommended. A microdiscectomy (in which part of a spinal disc is removed) would be recommended if the cause of sciatica is a spinal disc that is pinching, or placing pressure on the nerve root. A microdiscectomy would only be recommended after an unsuccessful epidural, or if an epidural was not an option.
If you have lower back pain, and/or suspect that you may have sciatica, talk to a doctor. Regular check-ups – whether in sickness or not – are crucial to maintaining your health.

This article was medically reviewed by: Dr. Roman Shulze

How Healthpointe Can Help

To find out more about programs for spine pain at Healthpointe, call (844) 887-7882, or visit Healthpointe.net.