Sciatica
Sciatica
This is the name given to pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. Anything that irritates this nerve can cause pain, ranging from mild to severe.
Sciatica is usually caused by a compressed nerve in the lower spine.
Often, the term "sciatica" is confused with general back pain. However, sciatica is not just limited to the back. The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the human body. It runs from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down the legs, ending just below the knee.
This nerve controls several muscles in the lower legs and supplies sensation to the skin of the foot and the majority of the lower leg. Sciatica is not a condition, but rather a symptom of another problem involving the sciatic nerve. Some experts estimate that up to 40 percent of people will experience sciatica at least once in their life.
A variety of lower back conditions may lead to sciatica. 

Causes of Sciatica
  • Degenerative disc disease (breakdown of discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae)
  • Muscle spasm in the back or buttocks.
  • Arthritis of the spine and the formation of osteophytes 
  • Lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back)
  • Spondylolisthesis (a condition in which one vertebra slips forward over another one)
  • Pregnancy
Prognosis and Treatment
In most cases, sciatica will resolve within 6 weeks and with the help and advice of a physiotherapist this can often be speeded up.
The physiotherapist will assess the cause of the sciatica and if it is from a simple muscular skeletal cause they can treat this. 
There are also some easy bits of advice about how to sit, how to relieve the pressure on the nerve such as heel raises and walking with short strides. You may also be taught some simple stretches and exercises and advised about pain relief.
Prevention of Sciatica
In some cases, sciatica can be prevented; there are several lifestyle changes that can reduce the chances of developing it, including regular exercise and making sure proper posture is used when standing, sitting upright, and lifting objects.
It is very important not to lift heavy heavy objects and twist your body at the same time. This leads to microtrauma in the discs, which can then become full blown disc tears.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Pain from sciatica results from damage to the patient’s nerve tissue. In the vast majority of cases, the nerve damage is not permanent. However, the following signs indicate that there may be a more serious problem that requires immediate medical attention:
  • Patients who feel weakness or numbness may require surgery, and any patient experiencing these symptoms should seek professional attention.
  • Patients who experience bowel or bladder incontinence (inability to control the bowel or bladder) and/or increasing weakness or loss of sensation in the legs should see a doctor immediately.

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