Sciatica (ischialgia) – causes, symptoms and treatment

Sciatica, also known as ischialgia, is a condition that can be extremely painful and makes the lives of many people miserable.

In this article we will discuss what sciatica is, its causes, symptoms and effective methods of treatment and rehabilitation. Find out how you can avoid this condition and what exercises can help alleviate it.

What is sciatica (ischialgia)?

Sciatica, also known as ischialgia, is a condition that causes pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is one of the largest nerves in the body, extending from the lower back through the buttocks, thigh and foot. When this nerve becomes compressed or irritated, it can lead to pain and discomfort, often characterized by radiation along the nerve’s path.

Sciatica – causes

The causes of sciatica can be various. One of the main causes is compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. This may be due to several factors such as:

• Herniated vertebral disc
• Degeneration of the spine
• Inflammation of the sciatic nerve
• Spasm of the gluteal muscles
• Tissue damage around the buttocks and spine

The causes can vary, but the key aspect is pressure on the sciatic nerve, which leads to the symptoms of sciatica.

Symptoms of sciatica – where does it hurt during an attack?

Symptoms of sciatica are characteristic and include:

• Severe pain in the buttock area that may radiate down the leg
• Weakness of the leg muscles
• Tingling or numbness in the leg and foot
• Increased pain when sitting or changing positions

The pain of an attack of sciatica can be extremely intense and make it difficult to perform everyday activities. It can limit mobility and significantly affect the quality of life.

Diagnostics and diagnosis of sciatica

Diagnosing sciatica requires a thorough assessment by a specialist. After a thorough medical interview and physical examination, your doctor may order additional tests, such as:

• Computed tomography (CT)
• Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Electromyography (EMG) tests to assess nerve and muscle function

An accurate diagnosis allows you to determine the cause of sciatica and plan appropriate treatment.

Treatment of sciatica. what does treatment or rehabilitation look like and how long does it take?

Treatment for sciatica can take various forms, depending on the cause and severity of symptoms. The most commonly used methods are:

• Pharmacological treatment in the form of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs
• Physiotherapy and exercise
• Steroid injections to reduce inflammation
• Rehabilitation
• Surgery (for severe cases)

The duration of treatment and rehabilitation depends on the severity of the disease and the effectiveness of the methods used. In some cases, people suffering from sciatica may need long-term care and rehabilitation.

Sciatica – physiotherapy and exercises for sciatica

Physiotherapy and regular exercise are a key part of treating sciatica. A rehabilitation specialist may suggest a set of exercises that help strengthen muscles, improve spine flexibility and reduce pain. These exercises can be performed both during treatment and as part of prevention.

Prevention of sciatica

To avoid the occurrence of sciatica, it is worth following several preventive rules:

• Maintaining correct body posture
• Regular physical activity and muscle stretching
• Avoiding prolonged sitting
• Avoiding excessive load on the spine
• Regular check-ups with a doctor

Prevention plays a key role in preventing this painful condition.

Your suggestions

If you have experience with sciatica or would like to share your suggestions for treating or managing this condition, please feel free to leave a comment below. Your experience may help others who struggle with sciatica.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in the topic of sciatica, we recommend you check out our other articles on the topic:

• “5 effective exercises for sciatica”
• “How to deal with back pain”
• “The latest methods of treating vertebral disc herniation”

You will find valuable information on treatment, prevention and coping with spine pain and sciatica.

It is worth remembering that sciatica can be difficult to endure, but with appropriate treatment, rehabilitation and attention to prevention, you can improve the quality of life and reduce the risk of recurrence.