Are You Aware Of Your Sciatic Nerve - A Single Nerve, Yet The Problems It Can Cause Are Numerous

Sciatic or pinched nerve as it is commonly called is the largest nerve in the human body. Problems in the sciatic nerve can vary in severity; they can range from very simple causes and remedies to complex and serious problems that can lead to major surgical procedures, depending on the symptoms. The sciatic nerve is most often injured by fractures to the pelvis area, herniated spinal discs, or damage to the bottom or thighs. It can also be damaged by pressure such as pregnancy, tumors, or abscesses or by bleeding from the pelvis region.

Serious types of Sciatic nerve damage would require open back surgery but this also runs a high risk for possible complications. Left untreated, sciatica can result in permanent painful and disabling injuries which in the worst case scenario can result in paralysis. Sciatica is caused by a compression of the sciatic nerve roots which can be caused by bad posture, prolonged external pressure (from uncomfortable chairs for example), or prolonged internal pressure from nearby organs such as the uterus or kidneys. Sciatica symptoms dont necessarily have to be caused by herniated discs, but from all the other pressures listed previously.

However, sciatica is most often caused by herniated discs. Research has shown that the possibility of herniating discs is compounded by genetic predispositions towards this condition. Sciatica can contribute to weakened ankles, knees and hips, can cause painful tingles or numbed lower limbs that are hard to move about. Sciatica can occur at any time in people of all ages and both genders.

Spinal Canal Stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, thus causing sciatica symptoms as the sciatic nerve is unable to exit the spinal canal comfortably. Pseudo-sciatica is caused by compressed peripheral sections of the sciatic nerve where the piriformis muscle contracts randomly, effectively strangling the sciatic nerve beneath the muscle. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is another cause of sciatic nerve unease and can come from unhealthy postural habits as was said earlier, such as sitting in uncomfortable chairs and insufficient stretching before and after high impact exercises.

Research has shown that much of the time herniated discs will heal on their own, without a need for outside intervention aside from pain medication. However, some forms of sciatic nerve damage may require surgery, traction and realignment therapy, massage therapy or physical therapy. Each case of sciatic nerve damage is unique and so each combination of treatment is unique.

Find more ideas and resources on health related matters at http://www.questionsonhealth.net/ a website offering views, opinions and factual resources on topics such as polar heart rate monitors, healthy eating advice and even understanding high blood pressure causes.

Oh My Aching Spine!
Previously we discussed briefly conditions such as rheumatic diseases, cervical spondylotic myelopathy, degenerative disk disease, and stenosis but there are several other conditions which can cause difficulty for your spine.Ruptured, slipped, or herniated disk, all have the same meaning. They are a condition which occur when one of the pads betwee...

Neck Pain - Low Back Pain - Nerve Injuries
Usually, when we think about nerve injuries we think of presence of paralysis or weakness in the distribution of the muscles supplied by that nerve, loss of function, presence of trophic skin changes and presence of deformities.Most of the injuries to the nerves that occur with blunt trauma such as car accidents, falls, lifting injuries, repetitive...

Lower Back Pain - Ankle and Foot Plantar Flexion
Patients with lower back pain due to L5 and S1 nerve root irritation often complain of calf cramps, especially at night. The strong calf muscles are responsible for you to be able to walk on your toes. These muscles are especially important in the push-off phase of walking on level surfaces as well as on inclines and steps.To be able to test the ...

Lower Back Pain - Neck Pain - Tingling - Numbness
Patients with neck or lower back pain may have tingling and/or or numbness due to irritation of the nerve roots in the neck or lower spine.Tingling and/or numbness in the first three digits of the hand are related to C5 nerve root (thumb), C6 nerve root (index) and C7 nerve root (middle finger) involvement. Similar symptoms in the last two digits ...

Calf Soreness Can Result From Sciatica
Sciatica pain may be experienced anywhere from the lower back to the calves, creating constant, nagging pain. The sciatic nerve, the longest in the body, originates in the lower back and runs downward in the back of each leg continuing to the toes of each foot. If this nerve has become aggravated due to injury or illness, the pain can radiate into ...

Brachialis and Brachioradialis in Neck Related Elbow Pain
Brachialis Neck pain due to C5, C6 nerve root irritation will also lead to pain in the brachialis. The pain will be felt in the front of the arm deep to the biceps muscle with elbow pain.It arises from the lower two thirds of the front of the arm bone (humerus) and attaches to the top of the forearm bone (ulnar coronoid process). The nerve supply...

Neck Related Elbow Pain - Role of Triceps and Finger Extensor Muscles
Neck pain - elbow pain - triceps Neck pain due to C7 nerve root irritation is second only to C6 nerve root irritation. Those with elbow pain commonly have C6 and C7 nerve root irritation.Triceps is supplied by the C6-C7 nerve roots, especially C7 root carried through the radial nerve. Pain and spasm in the triceps together with pain and spasm i...