Book an Appointment
5 major causes and symptoms of sciatica
When people suffer of low back pain or sciatica (leg pain), they think taking a rest will relieve the pain, Or they would apply a hot pack, spray hot water to the affected area during bathing, soak in a hot bath or swimming to relieve the pain, but these are only short-term pain relief methods. Once the problem getting worst, the signs and symptoms will be very serious.
If the patient knows their low back pain or sciatica is caused by a muscle or nerve problem, it will not only relieve their mental stress, but also help understand their own condition. The following 5 most common symptoms and causes of sciatica are shared by the author with readers.
1. Herniated Disc
Has injury to the lower back (including fall and muscle sprains)
There is more pain in the feet than in the lower back
Weak nerve reflex
When the patient sits for a long time or when the lower back is bent forward, coughing, sneezing or exerting force, the pain in the low back or feet intensity increases
The side with foot will feel pain and there is tension when the leg is lifted up, and the side with the foot pain will increase when the other foot is lifted as well.
MRI imaging can clearly see the disc protruding compressing the nerve.
2. Anular Tears
Has experienced severe trauma to the lower back
Lower back pain is more than foot pain, foot pain may be in a single foot or both feet
Weak nerve reflex
When sitting for a long time, coughing, sneezing, and excessive low back exertion all cause low back pain to increase
Lifting the painful foot will increase the back pain
MRI images show tearing of the annular fibrous cartilage.
3. Myogenic, or muscle related, disease
Improper exertion cause relapse of the low back pain.
In addition to low back pain, buttocks and thighs also feel sore
Pain can occur on one or both sides of the lower back
Feeling stiffness in the low back when getting up in the mornings
Pain increases when the weather changes or the muscles are blown by cold wind
Lower back will lean on the non painful side which increases the pain onto the other (painful) side
The patient can point out the affected area of low back pain, unlike the patient with neuralgia,
Can’t find the cause from the MRI scanned image
4. Spinal Stenosis
The patient will have pain in the low back and calf as 15 minutes of walking
Can occur on one foot or both feet
Weakness and numbness of the legs
symptoms of sciatica
When the lower back is bent forward, the pain in the low back or legs is reduced
Normal nerve reflexes
X-rays can see severe bone degeneration, bone spur hyperplasia, disc thinning, facet joint degeneration, and spinal foramen narrowing
5. Facet Joint Arthropathy
The pain is usually in the small facet joint (Picture 1)
The patient bends back and feels pain in the facet joints
The side bending of the lower back will increase the pain at the facet joints
Based on the above 5 common causes and symptoms of sciatica, I believe readers can better understand the causes of low back and foot pain. But remember to confirm the diagnosis and receive treatment from the doctor, so as not to worsen the condition and delay treatment.
