Symptoms of sciatica are usually caused by the inflammation of the spinal cord. This condition can be triggered by a herniated disc, tumors or a spondylolisthesis. These can lead to the pain felt in the lower back and in the leg. It can also be a symptom of a medical condition such as lumbar stenosis or spinal cord injury. If you are suffering from sciatica, you should visit your doctor to determine the causes and treatment.
Herniated disc
Disc herniation is a common cause of low back pain. It is a condition in which the nucleus of the disc is pushed out through the outer ring of the disc. Normally this occurs during trauma. However, it can also happen due to degenerative changes in the spine. Symptoms of disc herniation include numbness, weakness, and pain in the affected region of the body.
Herniated discs can be diagnosed by X-rays and other imaging techniques. The innermost part of the disc, called the nucleus, is a gelatin-like substance. It contains connective tissue cells and collagen fibers.
Herniated discs can also be detected by plain X-rays and other techniques. If the disc does not heal on its own, surgery may be needed.
Spinal stenosis
Having spinal stenosis may cause sciatica, which is pain that runs along the sciatic nerve. This pain can be more intense on walking or standing.
Symptoms of spinal stenosis can include numbness, muscle weakness, and lower back pain. Depending on the extent of the condition, patients can get relief with simple treatments or surgery. In severe cases, patients can lose their bladder control and their ability to walk.
Some common causes of spinal stenosis are herniated discs, osteophytes, and degenerative arthritis. These conditions may lead to bone spurs that compress the spinal nerves. Inflammation in the back can also put pressure on the spine. The condition can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs or surgery.
Physical therapy is often a good first option for treating spinal stenosis. A therapist can identify the areas of the spine that are affected and offer treatment options. In addition, a change in physical activities can be helpful. For example, many patients with stenosis have found that they can walk farther by leaning forward.
Spondylolisthesis
Usually, patients with spondylolisthesis experience pain in the lower back and leg. The severity of the symptoms is dependent on the level and position of the vertebral slip. The symptoms are generally worse when standing. It can cause numbness and muscle weakness. The pain can radiate into the buttocks and legs.
Spondylolisthesis and sciatica are both caused by damage to the spine. These injuries can occur from repeated stress and repetitive hyperextension of the spine. The resulting damage weakens the vertebral structures. Spondylolisthesis can also be a result of degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, or spinal tumors. Spondylolisthesis can occur in any part of the body, but it is most common in the lumbar region.
Spondylolisthesis can cause nerve root compression, which leads to numbness and pain in the leg. The location of the compression depends on where the nerve root is compressed. The best way to evaluate the nerve root compression is to scan the lumbar spine using MRI.
Tumors
Depending on the location, these tumors can be benign or malignant. They can also cause debilitating symptoms. If they are malignant, they can compress the sciatic nerve.
For example, the schwannoma, a encapsulated slow-growing nerve sheath tumor, usually presents as a single lesion. The average incidence of schwannomas in the United States is 0.6 per 100 thousand people, but females are more prone to them in their second to fifth decade. The most common occurrence is in the lower back.
The most common form of malignant spine tumor is metastatic carcinoma. Other types include gastrointestinal, breast, prostate, and thyroid carcinomas. These tumors commonly metastasize to the spine and can have similar presentations. The largest number of patients are over the age of 50.
Predisposition to sciatica
Having risk factors for sciatica does not cause the condition, but it may increase your chances of developing it. In some cases, there may also be a genetic predisposition to the disease. If you have any of these conditions, you may want to talk with a health professional about it. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options available to alleviate pain and prevent sciatica.
The most common causes of sciatica are age-related changes in the spine. These include degenerative disc disease, which is marked by the breakdown of vertebral discs. This can lead to compression of the sciatic nerve. In severe cases, pain can radiate to the back of the thigh and leg. The affected area may also be weak and numb.