Sciatica is a painful condition that occurs along the course of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve extends from the glutes down to each leg.
Sciatica is most commonly caused by a bulging of the intervertebral disk or bony expansion that exerts stress on the lumbar spinal nerves. This produces inflammation, discomfort, and sometimes numbness in the afflicted limb.
Although sciatica pain can be severe, mild situations caused by a herniated disk can be resolved with various therapies in a matter of weeks or months. People with severe sciatica, limb weakness, or bowel or bladder problems may require surgery.
What are the causes of Sciatica?
Sciatica develops when the spinal branches of the sciatic nerve get compressed. The reason is frequently a bulging intervertebral disk in the vertebral column or bone growth on the vertebrae. A tumor may also put compression on the nerve, though this is unusual.
Who is at Risk?
Some indicators of risk for sciatica consist of:
Age: The most common age range for bulging disks is 20 to 50 years old. Bone spurs become increasingly frequent as people age.
Obesity: Being overweight puts extra strain on the backbone.
Occupation: A profession that demands straining the back, moving large things, or driving for extended periods may contribute to herniated disks.
Long-term sitting: People who spend a lot of time sitting or not moving are more prone to have herniated disks than those who are physically active.
Diabetes: This disorder alters how the body utilizes blood glucose and raises the possibility of nerve injury.
What are the symptoms of Sciatica?
Sciatica pain can occur at any point throughout the nerve route. It is probable to go down the lower vertebra to the buttock, the posterior of the thigh, and the lower leg.
The discomfort might range from a moderate ache to a strong, searing sensation. Often it seems like a violent shake or an electric shock. It can get aggravated when you move even during coughing, sneezing, or if you sit for an extended period. Typically, sciatica only impacts one particular side of the leg. Some persons also experience numbness, tingling, or muscular weakness in their legs or feet. One area of the leg may be in pain while another feels numb.
Can Sciatica get complicated?
Most patients recover completely from sciatica that results from displaced disks, typically with no therapy. However, sciatica can harm nerves. If you experience the following symptoms then immediately seek emergency medical assistance:
- Absence of sensation in the afflicted limb.
- Neuropathy of the afflicted leg.
- Lack of bowel and bladder function.
How can we prevent Sciatica?
Sciatica is rarely preventable, and its symptoms may recur. As a safeguard for your back:
- Exercise frequently. Strengthen your core muscles, which are located in the belly and lower back and are necessary for proper posture and balance, and keep your back strong.
- Maintain excellent posture while seated. Select a chair with strong lower-back comfort armrests, and an adjustable base. To provide low back support, lay a cushion or folded cloth in the small of the spine to maintain its natural curvature. Keep your knees and hips aligned.
- Use your body properly. When standing for an extended amount of time, occasionally rest one leg on a step stool or tiny box. When reaching anything heavy, let the legs help to do the job. Keep the weight near your body. Do not raise and twist simultaneously. Find somebody to assist with lifting large or awkward items.
What are the Homeopathic medicines for Sciatica?
Homeopathic treatment has been considered as one of the best treatment for Sciatica. These are some of the homeopathic medicines for Sciatica:
- Omeo Scia-Tica Drops: Specially formulated homeopathic medicine to address the complaints associated with sciatica such as pains extending down to legs, swelling, numbness, and difficulty in walking and standing with hip pains. It helps alleviate the symptoms holistically.
- Belladonna. For severe, acute lower back pain. The pain is strong and maybe scalding, pulsating, shooting, or spasmodic. The severe spasms occur suddenly and go almost as swiftly.
- Colocynthis. It has been shown to significantly improve left-sided sciatica symptoms. It is suggested when a person has discomfort along the length of the left sciatica. The discomfort begins in your back and progresses downward to the legs to the toes. In other situations, the discomfort originates in one’s left hip and extends to the knee.
- Magnesia phosphoricum. A good treatment for right-sided sciatica. Sciatica pain manifests as slicing, shooting, piercing, or stitching. Pain begins in the lower back and spreads downward to the right hip regions, thighs, depression of the knee, and leg.
- Arnica montana. Arnica Montana is recommended for sciatica with significant lower limb pain.
- Hypericum perforatum. Use Hypericum Perforatum if the sciatic pain is accompanied by tingling sensations, blazing, or numbing in the afflicted leg.
- Ruta graveolens. A homeopathic medication for sciatica pain that worsens while lying down at nighttime.
- Bryonia alba. For sciatica that worsens during walking. In such instances, even the slightest movements might aggravate sciatica.
- Rhus tox. For painful sciatica that worsens with rest or reclining, or sciatica caused by damp cold weather or muscular exercise. Lying on the problematic side may exacerbate the discomfort in such circumstances. Moving or activity of the afflicted limb provides alleviation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the best homeopathy treatment for sciatica?
Ans. Homeopathy works holistically while treating a disease from its roots. Homeopathic medicines are individualized and different medicine is selected based on the complaints of an individual. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, it is customized for everyone’s needs.
Q. What is the best medicine for sciatica?
Ans. Homeopathy can be considered the best approach for sciatica. It can help manage the pain associated with it and improve quality of life.
Dr Aditi
Dr Aditi (BHMS) from NHMC Delhi, HMO ( Chandigarh Administration), Ex- SRF ( CCRH ), currently doing a research study of effect of Homoeopathic medicines in Mother and Child Health care in Chandigarh.