1. Recognizing Common Sciatica Causes

2. As just about anyone suffering from the condition
knows all too well, sciatica causes a variety of
extremely frustrating, and occasionally
debilitating, symptoms. In order to effectively treat
these symptoms, however, it is incredibly important
that you turn to a medical professional to develop a
comprehensive treatment plan that gives you the
best chance of overcoming your condition. The
wrong approach may prove completely ineffective
and a waste of time, or worse, it might make your
symptoms increase.

3. What is Sciatica?
Before we can discuss how to manage sciatica, it
is important to understand what this condition
actually entails. For starters, sciatica isn’t a
condition itself, per se, but a collection of
symptoms that may arise as a result of the
compression of the sciatic nerve in the lower
back (lumbar spine).
The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve
in the body. This nerve horsetails off the spinal
cord in the lower back and extends down through
the buttocks, hips, and legs, before culminating
near the toes. In short, the sciatic nerve is
extremely important because it is instrumental in
our ability to walk upright. The
problem, however, is that sciatica is extremely
common as a result of either damage or
deterioration to the lumbar spinal anatomy.

4. Causes of Sciatica
Over the years, the anatomical elements that support the spinal column gradually
deteriorate. This wear and tear is extremely normal and an unavoidable part of the
natural aging process. The vertebral joints that connect adjacent vertebrae can
become arthritic; the intervertebral discs that cushion and support vertebrae may
become worn and ruptured; muscle can weaken; ligaments could calcify, and other
problems might arise. The lower back is one of the most common places for problems
to develop because the lumbar spine is both highly flexible and also supports a
significant portion of the body’s weight. As a result, degenerative spine conditions are
particularly common in the lower back, which can directly lead to the compression of
the sciatic nerve and causes sciatica in the lower extremities.
Here are just a few of the conditions that can cause sciatica:
• Herniated discs
• Bulging discs
• Facet disease
• Spondylolisthesis
• Spondylosis

5. Initial Treatment Options
One piece of good news when it comes to sciatica is that in
most cases, symptoms can normally be managed effectively
with a tailored regimen of noninvasive techniques. These
treatments are designed to alleviate strain on the lower back
and allow the sciatic compression to gradually abate. The use
of low-impact exercises, stretching techniques, heat
packs, ice, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are
particularly popular. In some instances, lifestyle changes may
also be recommended to complement treatment. For
instance, losing weight can be an effective treatment method
because the weight of carrying around excess body fat can put
undue burden on the spine and exacerbate discomfort.

6. Surgery
While conservative means are usually effective for most people, in the event that sciatica causes
discomfort that does not respond to noninvasive treatment, surgical decompression may be
considered. The goal of this type of treatment is to physically remove the source of the sciatic
nerve constriction and also ensure that spinal stability is maintained. Historically, spinal fusion
was the only real option in this instance. This type of procedure entails the opening of the spinal
column in order to remove the intervertebral disc and fuse adjacent vertebrae together. The
problem with open spine surgery, however, is that it is major surgery that requires
hospitalization, extensive rehabilitation, and puts the patient at risk for post-operative
complications, such as infection and scar tissue formation.
In recent years, advances in endoscopic technology have made minimally invasive spine
procedures a new, compelling option for some patients. These procedures can usually be
completed through a very small incision through which surgeons gently push aside soft tissue
(rather than cutting it), which greatly shortens the recovery time. In fact, endoscopic procedures
are normally conducted on an outpatient basis.
Each type of treatment has its own unique advantages and limitations, so it pays to explore your
options, learn more about sciatica causes, and speak with several doctors before consenting to
any one treatment.