How to relieve sciatic nerve pain

Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
Updated on September 30, 2024
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When experiencing sciatic nerve pain, it is important to first determine the cause. It may be due to a herniated disc compressing the nerve root, or it could be caused by piriformis syndrome. If the pain is caused by a herniated disc and it is the patient's first occurrence, a CT scan can be done. If the herniation is mild, conservative treatment may be chosen, such as wearing a lumbar support and performing some traction. Patients can also actively exercise their back muscles to alleviate the sciatic nerve pain. Additionally, it is recommended to sleep on a firm bed and spend more time lying down than sitting. If the herniation is severe, has been prolonged, or it recurs frequently, it is advised to seek professional treatment in orthopedics. If the pain is due to piriformis syndrome, a visit to a pain management clinic is suggested for symptomatic relief and pain alleviation.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Can sciatica patients run?

The pain of the sciatic nerve is generally caused by degeneration of the intervertebral disc. The nucleus pulposus protrudes through the rupture of the fibrous ring of the degenerated disc, compressing the nerve root, which leads to symptoms such as sciatic nerve pain, numbness, and even restricted movement when walking. The intervertebral disc serves to absorb shocks and cushion the pressure on the lower back. During running, the load on the lower back increases, which could potentially exacerbate the symptoms of sciatic nerve pain. Therefore, it is best to avoid running exercises when sciatic nerve pain is caused by degeneration of the intervertebral disc.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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Does sciatica cause numbness in the legs?

Sciatica can cause sensory abnormalities in one lower limb and even lead to muscle weakness. It can also cause numbness and sensory abnormalities on the dorsum or sole of the foot. However, foot numbness should first exclude causes like exposure to cold or poor blood circulation in the lower limbs. After excluding other causes of foot numbness, it can be diagnosed as sciatica-induced symptoms such as foot numbness. At this time, it is advisable to actively nourish the nerves and avoid certain postures that may aggravate sciatica. Additionally, sciatica can also be caused by lumbar disc herniation, or simply by the local compression of the sciatic nerve in its course.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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What causes sciatica?

The causes of sciatica generally fall into two categories. The first is primary sciatica, which is usually caused by inflammation of the sciatic nerve and is relatively rare in clinical practice. The second category is secondary sciatica, which occurs when the tissues and structures around the sciatic nerve undergo pathological changes, leading to stimulation and compression of the sciatic nerve, thus causing secondary sciatica. The majority of secondary sciatica cases are associated with lumbar spine disorders, such as lumbar disc herniation, tumors in the lumbar spinal canal, or degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, as well as sacroiliitis. A hospital examination is necessary to make a definitive diagnosis.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Symptoms of Sciatica

Symptoms of sciatica: First, sciatica often occurs in the lumbar 4 and lumbar 5, or between lumbar 5 and sacral 1 disc herniation. Second, the primary symptom of sciatica is pain, which typically originates in the lower back and can radiate to the buttock, posterior thigh, the lateral side of the calf, and the lateral edge of the foot sole. Pain usually has a triggering factor, such as coughing, sneezing, defecation, etc., basically any activity that increases abdominal pressure can cause radiating pain of the sciatic nerve. Third, the area innervated by the sciatic nerve may become hypersensitive, with some people feeling pain, others feeling heat, and still others feeling cold, until the later stages where it generally becomes numbness and dullness. Fourth, there are limitations in movement of the lower back or limbs, with many patients reporting a feeling as if there’s a shortened tendon at the back of the thigh, restricting movement. These are the primary symptoms of sciatica.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Which department should I register for sciatica?

Sciatica is divided into primary and secondary types. Primary sciatica is caused by inflammation of the sciatic nerve itself, thus one should visit the Department of Neurology. Secondary sciatica is more common and usually stems from spinal conditions, so initially one should visit the Department of Spinal Surgery. Alternatively, one can visit the Department of Orthopedics, which deals with broader orthopedic issues. If experiencing severe acute pain, a visit to the Pain Management Department can provide rapid and effective pain relief. For frequent episodes of sciatica and interest in rehabilitation, the Rehabilitation Department can be considered. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine has unique approaches to treating sciatica, so visiting the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine to try treatments with Chinese herbs and methods is also an option.