How do sciatic nerve injuries manifest?

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and runs from the lower part of the spine to the legs. Sciatica, which regulates sensory and motor functions in the leg, begins at the 4th and 5th vertebrae, the last vertebra in the lower back, and extends down the hip from the knee area to the sole of the foot. Compression of this nerve (also known as the S1 nerve) is called sciatica.

Sciatica is usually mild at first, but can worsen over time. The pain usually radiates to the leg area. It can be felt from the hip to the calf, from below the knee to the side and front of the leg and finally to the heel. The pain is usually unilateral and more common in young people, those who do heavy work and those who do not exercise. Sciatica is a treatable condition characterized by leg pain, loss of strength and sensation.

Sciatica is felt mainly in the lower back

Compression or stretching of the sciatic nerve root in the lower back can cause leg pain. In some cases, causes such as spondylolisthesis, inflammation, tumors, and cysts can also cause sciatica. Sciatica starts as pain in the lower back, radiates to the hip, travels along the nerve from the groin to the back of the leg and then to the foot. In severe cases of sciatica, the legs become weak and the knee and wrist reflexes become weaker. The higher the person raises their leg, the worse the pain will be.

If the disease is not treated, the muscles in the painful leg can become thin and shortened.

Sciatica is characterized by pain that can be felt from the hip to the heel, extending from the lower back to the foot. Pain increases with movement, there is a loss of sensation and strength in the leg and foot in the area where the sciatic nerve passes. The intensity of the pain can sometimes limit a person’s activities. It becomes difficult to bend the upper body or rotational movement may be restricted. The person is often unable to stand upright and leans to one side. Dragging of the foot can be seen on the painful side when walking. Pain and numbness, as well as tingling, can be felt on the soles and toes. In severe cases, loss of movement can occur. In addition, complaints that require urgent intervention, such as urinary incontinence due to loss of bladder and bowel control, are among the symptoms of sciatica.

Sciatica can be experienced in 3 different ways

Sciatica is studied in three different groups and can be viewed as an injury resulting from compression of the lumbar region, compression of the sciatic nerve in the hip muscles, and trauma to the knee or back of the foot. The causes of sciatica are; inactivity, obesity, heavy lifting, diabetes and pregnancy.

Proper posture can prevent sciatica and reduce symptoms.

It may be recommended to keep the back and waist muscles strong to prevent sciatica, which can greatly reduce the person’s quality of life. Proper posture can effectively prevent sciatica. In addition, avoiding incorrect sitting, supporting the back, waist and arms while sitting and preventing sciatica are among the factors to consider. Avoiding standing for long periods of time, standing still, and heavy lifting can also prevent sciatica. Avoiding weight gain can also reduce sciatica pain.

Delay in treatment can adversely affect the healing process.

Initially mild sciatica may go away on its own over time. However, if the severity of the pain increases or the existing pain persists for more than a week, a doctor should be consulted. You should also see a doctor if you suddenly experience severe pain in the back, hips, legs or feet, numbness and weakness in the legs, and difficulty defecating. Sciatica symptoms that develop after trauma such as a fall from a height or a traffic accident should also be checked by a doctor.

In the treatment of sciatica, the treatment methods should be determined by the specialist based on the patient’s condition. The most commonly used treatment methods are; radiofrequency method, PRP, stem cell and stimulator treatments. These treatments are treatments that do not harm the body.

Radiofrequency therapy permanently disables the nerve conduction fibers in the painful area. It benefits from the regulating effect on the nerves in the area where it is applied, without damaging the nerves or tissue.

In one of the stem cell treatments, stem cells from the patient’s own tissue are applied to the correct joints, connective tissues and ligaments. No anesthesia or incision is required during application.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is also applied in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries with its tissue healing promoting effect. The growth factors and bioactive proteins in the platelets play an important role in the healing process.

In stimulating treatments, electrodes placed near painful areas of the skin release small electrical pulses that can relieve pain.

It is a very important factor that these applications are made by experts.