WHAT IS SCIATICA

Sciatica is a type of pain that radiates from the lower back, through the hips, and down to one leg. It typically affects one side of the body and can range from mild discomfort to intense pain. While sciatica itself is not a medical condition, it is a symptom caused by underlying issues such as a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal stenosis that can compress the sciatic nerve.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  • Radiating Pain: Pain that starts in the lower back or buttocks and radiates down one leg. Common areas of pain are the lower back, buttocks, back of the thigh, calf, foot, or toes.
  • Numbness and tingling sensation: A tingling sensation and numbness can be felt, particularly in the affected leg or foot. It can be constant or intermittent and can be often exacerbated by sitting or standing for long periods of time.
  • Muscle weakness: It can cause weakness in the muscles of the affected leg. As a result, it may become difficult to move or control the leg fully.
  • Pain that worsens with certain movements: Prolonged sitting, standing, or walking for long periods; sneezing or coughing; bending or twisting—these activities can increase pressure on the lower back and sciatic nerve, resulting in pain.
  • Sharp or burning sensation: This type of pain usually comes on suddenly and can radiate down the leg in a direct line, sometimes causing severe discomfort.
  • Pain that varies in intensity: Sciatic pain can range from mild to severe. In some cases, the pain is constant, while in others, it may come and go.
  • Shooting pain: Some people with sciatica experience shooting pains that travel down the leg in a straight line, often following the path of the sciatic nerve.
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control : In extremely rare cases, bladder or bowel dysfunction can occur as a result of severe compression of the spinal cord in the cervical region. This can lead to issues such as incontinence or difficulty in urinating or having a bowel movement.

CAUSES

  • Herniated or bulging discs : A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior layer. This bulge can press the nerve, resulting in pressure on the nerve, causing pain and discomfort.
  • Spinal stenosis : Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves, including the sciatic nerve. It mainly occurs due to age-related changes.
  • Degenerative disc disease : As we age, the discs in our spine can naturally wear down, leading to a decrease in the cushioning effect and potentially causing nerve compression.
  • Spondylolisthesis: This is a condition where one of the vertebrae in the spine slips out of place, potentially pinching the sciatic nerve. It can be caused by a stress fracture or other abnormalities of the spine. It is common in sportspersons.
  • Piriformis syndrome: The piriformis muscle in the buttocks can sometimes cause spasm, resulting in irritation of the sciatic nerve, causing similar symptoms of sciatica. It is usually triggered by prolonged sitting, improper posture, etc.
  • Trauma or injury: Injuries to the spine can lead to sciatica. It can result in herniated discs, dislocated vertebrae, or direct pressure on the sciatic nerve. Even a mild injury can cause inflammation that leads to sciatic pain.
  • Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the body undergoes various changes, including pressure on the lower spine and pelvis, which can contribute to sciatic pain.
  • Other Medical Conditions: Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves over time, leading to nerve pain, including sciatica. Tumors: In rare cases, a tumor or growth near the spine can compress the sciatic nerve, leading to sciatica symptoms. Infections: Spinal infections or abscesses can cause inflammation that affects the sciatic nerve.

TREATMENT AT SANJEEVANAM

At Sanjeevanam, we offer a comprehensive approach including Ayurveda, physiotherapy, and yoga, which focus on reducing pain, improving mobility, and enhancing overall well-being and quality of life. Through time-tested therapies and herbal remedies, Ayurveda addresses the root causes of scoliosis while promoting holistic recovery.

  • Restores strength & mobility: Helps regain physical strength
  • Addresses effects: Treats issues like pain, reduction in mobility, stiffness, etc.
  • Customized therapy plans: Involve personalized physical therapy and occupational therapy.
  • Individualized care: Tailored to the specific needs of the person based on the severity of the pain and associated complaints.
  • Duration varies: The length of treatment depends on the intensity and duration of pain, other complications, and the progress made.

Ayurveda

  • Pachakarma treatments such as Virechana (purgation) and vasti (medicated enemas) help to detoxify the body and tone the muscles. Other Ayurvedic treatments like Abhyanga (oil massage) Kayasekam, and Pinda Sweda (herbal bolus massage) help relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, stiffness and enhance flexibility. Localized treatments such as Kati Basti (medicated oil treatment for the lower back) Lepanam (Medicated Paste application) target specific discomforts and promote healing.

Physiotherapy

  • Personalized physiotherapy focuses on improving mobility, strength, and motor functions, helping patients regain physical independence.

Yoga

  • Yoga enhances flexibility, improves posture, balance, and mental well-being, aiding in both physical and emotional recovery.
  • At Sanjeevanam, this integrated approach of Ayurveda, Yoga and Physiotherapy speeds up to achieve the goal of pain reduction and other associated complaints, which holistically improve quality of life by using specialized treatments that help patients recover and regain independence in daily activities.

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