Sciatica is a specific kind of pain associated with the sciatic
nerve, a major nerve running from the lower spine, down the back of the
leg. A fairly common condition, sciatica generally manifests itself as a
pain or numbness in the lower back, often extending into the foot and
lower leg. While it is always wise to consult your doctor about medical
issues, sciatica is usually temporary and not particularly serious, and
there are several steps that one can take to speed the body's healing
process. Non invasive steps like a well-managed exercise routine, and
even something as simple as a memory foam mattress can help immensely.
In some cases, sciatica may be a symptom of a very serious health
problem. If you experience muscle weakness in the affected leg, or
incontinence, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Sciatica is most often caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve,
usually where the nerve exits the spinal column. Often, this pressure is
caused by a "slipped" or ruptured disc. The spine is made up bony
segments called vertebrae, each of which are separated by pads of tissue
called discs that act as shock absorbers, and help to increase the
flexibility of the spine. Often compared to a "jelly donut", each of
these discs is made up a fibrous outer sheath, filled with a gelatinous
fluid called the nucleus pulposus.
These pads can come to bear large amounts of pressure as the spine
bends and is weighted. Occasionally, the fibrous outer membrane can
bulge or even rupture, allowing fluid to leak out. When these bulges or
ruptures occur, they may exert pressure on nerve stems, causing pain.
