Sciatica, or sciatic neuritis, consists of a group of symptoms that arise from irritation of any of the five spinal nerve roots that connect to the sciatic nerve, or the irritation of the sciatic nerve itself. Sciatica may include pain primarily in the lower back, but may also include sharp, dull, or burning pain in the buttocks and down into the legs and feet. Pain may also be accompanied by numbness, tingling, and muscular weakness from the lower back down through the feet.

The sciatic nerve spans across five vertebral bodies in the lower back in the lumbar and sacral sections of the spine. The specific vertebral bodies that rest along the sciatic nerve are L4 and L5 of the lumbar spine and S1, S2, and S3 of the sacral spine. These vertebral bodies are situated in the lower back and pelvic region of the spine.

Is Sciatica Related to Degenerative Disc Disease?

Yes, sciatica and degenerative disc disease can be related. Degenerative disc disease is also related to many other spine ailments. Degenerative disc disease, though not actually a disease, is a sort of gateway that may open the door for other spine troubles.

Degenerative disc disease occurs naturally as people age. In the spinal column there are small bones called vertebrae, which are separated by flexible, fluid-filled discs. The discs provide a cushion for the vertebrae and prevent them from touching and rubbing each other. When we age, the discs aren’t as able to retain water and absorb nutrients from the vertebral endplates above and below them, and thus, the fluid levels inside the discs decrease. When the fluid levels of the discs decrease, the remaining fluid turns into a more fibrous substance, and the disc as a whole becomes stiffer. Also, the vertebrae are always pushing down on the discs, compressing and flattening them as they grow weaker. The compressing and flattening of the discs is what is referred to as degenerative disc disease.

Eventually, the compressed, flattened, fibrous discs become vulnerable to moving out of place. Discs can herniate and protrude or bulge, causing an array of spine problems, including sciatica if disc material compresses any part of the sciatic nerve.

Degenerative disc disease is usually marked by long, persistent pain the lower back area. The pain usually goes away on its own, but sometimes the pain can stick around for a long time. If you think you may have degenerative disc disease or sciatica, see your doctor and explain your symptoms.

What is Treatment for Sciatica Like?

Treatment for sciatica varies based on what is causing it. It is important to remember that sciatica is a set of symptoms and not a condition with a specific cause. Conditions that may lead to the compression of the sciatic nerve, and sciatica, include bulging discs, herniated discs, bone spurs, and spinal stenosis. Treatments range from conservative, nonsurgical tactics like pain and anti-inflammatory drugs or physical therapy to spine surgery. However, spine surgery is only performed in a minority of cases, and it is almost always a procedure elected by the patient. If your sciatica symptoms persist for more than a month or so, give your doctor a visit. Your doctor will want to perform a physical examination and probably will request medical imaging, such as an X-ray or MRI, to help figure out the specific cause and location of your symptoms in order to properly treat your pain.

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of sciatica and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Sciatica