Sciatica is one of the most common causes of pain in the lower back and leg area, causing significant suffering for patients, impacting their quality of daily life. Many people think of sciatica as a standalone condition, but it is actually a symptom resulting from multiple problems in the spine or its associated nerves. In this article, Professor Dr. Hesham Al-Azzizi, a specialist in pain management and interventional spine surgery, explains the causes of sciatica , how to prevent it, and the most important non-surgical methods for treating it.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is a term used to describe pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest and largest nerve in the body, extending from the lower back through the buttocks and thighs to the lower legs. This compression causes pain, which can be sharp and is usually felt on one side of the body. Sciatica can be caused by several factors, most notably a herniated disc, where a slipped disc compresses the nerve root of the sciatic nerve. It can also occur as a result of spinal stenosis, a condition in which the spaces through which the nerve passes are narrowed, leading to compression.
Sciatica symptoms range from mild to severe pain and may be accompanied by tingling or numbness, particularly in the leg or foot. In some cases, the muscles in the leg or foot may weaken, making it difficult to walk or stand for long periods. The pain may worsen when sitting for long periods, coughing, or sneezing.
It’s important to know that most cases of sciatica improve with conservative treatments such as pain medications, physical therapy, and rest. In rare cases, if the pain persists or is severe, surgery may be required to relieve pressure on the nerve. Sciatica is usually a minor health problem, but in some cases, there can be worrisome symptoms such as loss of bladder or bowel control, which require immediate medical attention. People with sciatica should avoid activities that may aggravate the pain and focus on back-strengthening exercises to improve posture and prevent future problems.
Causes of sciatica
Professor Dr. Hesham Al-Azzizi confirms that there are several direct and indirect causes of sciatica. The causes of sciatica can be summarized in the following points:
1. A herniated disc
is one of the main causes of sciatica. A herniated disc between the vertebrae of the spine slips, compressing the sciatic nerve. This pressure causes pain that extends from the back to the leg.
2. Spinal stenosis:
Narrowing of the canal through which the nerves pass can be the result of aging or chronic injuries, and is one of the most prominent causes of sciatica in the elderly.
3. Arthritis or osteoarthritis
Arthritis or osteoarthritis of the vertebrae is considered one of the causes of sciatica, especially with advancing age, as it causes friction or wear and tear on the vertebrae, which leads to pressure on the nerves.
4. Incorrect sitting or excessive physical exertion.
Sitting for long periods in incorrect positions or lifting heavy weights improperly are common causes of sciatica among office workers or manual workers.
5. Injuries and accidents:
Any direct injury to the spine or pelvis can cause pressure on the sciatic nerve, making it a cause of sciatica.
6. Tumors or compressing masses:
In rare cases, benign or malignant tumors in the spine can cause pressure on the sciatic nerve, which is a cause of sciatica that requires urgent medical intervention.
7. Pregnancy:
Pregnancy is one of the causes of temporary sciatica, especially in the last trimester, as pressure on the spine increases due to the growth of the fetus, which may lead to pain in the sciatic nerve.
8. Overweight and
obesity Obesity is considered an indirect cause of sciatica, as it places an additional burden on the spine, increasing the chances of a herniated disc or nerve compression.
Sciatica diagnosis
Diagnosis of the condition depends on clinical examination, along with requesting appropriate x-rays, such as:
- X-ray
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
Dr. Hesham Al-Azzizi uses precise diagnostic techniques to pinpoint the source of stress, which helps determine the most appropriate treatment for the patient.
Available treatments for sciatica
According to Professor Dr. Hesham Al-Azzizi, treating sciatica is not limited to taking painkillers, but rather includes a comprehensive treatment plan based on the causes of sciatica and the extent of the condition’s progression. The most important treatment methods include:
1. Drug therapy
is used to relieve pain and inflammation, and includes pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and some medications that affect the nerves.
2. Physical therapy
includes special exercises to improve spinal flexibility and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, and is used in cases of chronic sciatica.
3. Limited interventional therapy
. This is where Dr. Hesham Al-Azzizi’s expertise comes into play, as he offers advanced techniques such as:
- Local injection under interventional radiology
- Thermal frequency
- Neurocatheterization
These are effective, non-surgical methods for treating the causes of sciatica, with excellent results in relieving pain and improving movement.
4. Surgery (advanced cases only)
Surgery is only used in rare cases, such as severe weakness in the foot or loss of bladder control, or when other treatments fail.
Tips for preventing sciatica
To prevent the causes of sciatica, Dr. Hesham Al-Azzizi recommends the following:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly to strengthen your back muscles.
- Avoid sitting for long periods
- Lifting weights correctly
Relief from recurring lower back pain
To read more : Ways to treat sciatica pain
Why choose Dr. Hesham Al-Azzizi?
Because you’re in expert hands, Professor Dr. Hesham El-Azzizi provides specialized treatment based on a thorough understanding of each case. With his extensive experience in anesthesia, intensive care, and interventional spine surgery, he offers safe and effective solutions without the need for surgery.
Available branches
- New Cairo
- Fifth Settlement
- Engineers
- Alexandria
- Assiut
To contact us:
(+2) 01100388388
(+2) 01208188181
(+2) 01101189898
(+2) 01101198989
Conclusion
Now that we’ve identified the causes of sciatica , we realize that this pain isn’t a simple symptom, as some believe. Rather, it may be an indicator of a deeper problem requiring specialized intervention. The expertise of the treating physician remains essential for selecting the appropriate treatment, which Professor Dr. Hesham Al-Azzizi provides through his expertise and professionalism in interventional spine treatment. If you’re experiencing widespread back and leg pain, don’t hesitate to contact one of our branches for a specialized consultation.
The most common questions about the causes of sciatica
Yes, obesity increases pressure on the spine, increasing the likelihood of a herniated disc and compression of the sciatic nerve.
Men and women are equally susceptible, but pregnancy may make women more vulnerable during this time.
A herniated disc is the most common cause of sciatica, where the gelatinous substance of the disc slips out and compresses the sciatic nerve. Does excess weight cause sciatica?
Are women more likely to develop sciatica??
What is the relationship between sciatica and a herniated disc?
