The sciatic nerve extends from the piriformis muscle in the hip region to the leg. Compression or inflammation of the sciatic nerve causes pain that spreads to the entire leg and is called sciatalgia. A herniated disc can cause symptoms similar to sciatic pain, so the two conditions can be confused. Sciatic pain, which affects the waist, hips and legs, can progress if left untreated. These severe pains reduce the quality of life of patients.
What is sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is called the ischial nerve in medicine. It originates from the 4th and 5th vertebrae in the lower back and extends from the middle of the hip to the heel. The sciatic nerve, which is the longest and thickest/widest nerve in the human body, is an important structure that allows the leg to move smoothly. Tension, damage, and compression in the sciatic nerve cause pain in the leg and waist area. These pains are defined as sciatic pain.
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica pain can occur for many different reasons. Poor posture, excessive weight and obesity, advancing age, hernia, spinal injuries, and sedentary lifestyle can cause sciatica pain. The piriformis muscle can contract, especially as a result of heavy lifting or doing reverse movements. This can cause the sciatic nerve muscle to become compressed. Sometimes the same problem can develop as a result of running downhill quickly.
Sciatica symptoms
Sciatica pain radiates from the hip to the foot. There is a burning sensation. The pain increases as the hip is moved. It may also increase when sitting and standing. Sciatica symptoms can be listed as follows:
- A pulling sensation extending from the hip to the heel
- Tingling in legs and feet
- Stinging sensation in the toes and heel
- Numbness in the areas where the sciatic nerve passes
- Difficulty in movement and pain that increases with movement
- Urinary incontinence and gas leakage
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of this disease is made by clinical examination. Imaging methods may not always be sufficient for diagnosis and prognosis.
Sciatica Treatment
Cold application has a relaxing effect in the treatment of sciatica pain. Cold can be applied to the painful area 2 or 3 times a day. In mild cases, this method usually gives positive results. In addition, rest and drug therapy can be used. In patients who do not improve with these methods, injection of local anesthetic into the piriformis muscle under imaging can provide relief. If the injection effect is short-lived, radiofrequency treatment can be applied through the piriformis channel.