The longest and widest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve, can become compressed or trapped.
The sciatic nerve, which runs from the top of the leg to the foot, is the one in question. Sharp pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the lower back, leg, or foot are common symptoms of sciatica.
It’s critical to distinguish between sciatica and general lower back pain when you experience pain.
There are exceptions to the rule, but most sciatica cases are resolved in less than 4-6 weeks.
This article will examine common causes of sciatica and provide you with some prevention advice if you have persistent lower back and leg pain as a result of it.
Table of Contents
Why is My Sciatica Not Going Away
1. Herniated Disc
Herniated discs are a frequent source of sciatica, and they occasionally heal more slowly than usual. Long-lasting nerve pain and discomfort in the lower back as well as sciatic symptoms can result from this.
2. Inflammatory Conditions
Inflammatory conditions affecting the lower spine are the cause of the majority of sciatica cases. Your risk of developing chronic or recurrent sciatica may increase if you have inflammation from underlying conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. It’s a good idea to concentrate on treating the underlying inflammatory condition if you have sciatica and are aware that you have it.
3. Injury and Re-Injury
Sciatica can put those suffering from it at higher risk of injury – due to issues with balance, and loss of muscular strength in an affected leg. Sustaining an injury while already suffering from sciatica can exacerbate symptoms and worsen inflammation near the spine and nerves.
4. Spinal Stenosis
The spaces between the discs gradually shrink as we age and our spinal cord becomes more constricted. Because of the increased pressure on the spinal cord, nerves may eventually become compressed. Both the spine’s already-existing inflammation and the symptoms of sciatica may get worse as a result of this. Although spinal stenosis cannot be cured, adopting a healthy diet and regular exercise routine can help people become more resilient.
5. Lifestyle Choices
Numerous risk factors can exacerbate current symptoms and lead to sciatica developing into a chronic condition. Here are some common habits to watch out for:
• Poor diet and obesity
• Smoking
• Sedentary lifestyle
6. Infection
An abscess, or swollen, infected mass, can develop as a result of an infection in or near the spine. Sciatica and other symptoms may be brought on by this abscess trapping spinal nerves.
7. Spinal Mass Or Cancer
Any mass in the spine or close by may entrap spinal nerves, resulting in sciatica.
Epidural hematomas are not cancerous, whereas other masses, like tumors, can be. Blood clots in the epidural space are known as epidural hematomas. A region between vertebrae and the membranes that surround them is known as the epidural space.
In particular, when sciatica persists, it is critical that people with sciatica see a doctor to rule out potentially dangerous conditions like cancer.
8. Bone Spurs
Areas of extra bone growth are known as bone spurs.
They may develop on the spine as a result of osteoarthritis, injury, or other degenerative conditions and result in persistent sciatica pain.
9. Spinal Misalignment
When the spine is not properly aligned, such as when someone has scoliosis or another ongoing condition, pressure can build up between the vertebrae and result in chronic pain.
According to the underlying cause, a patient may require surgery, physical therapy, or other treatments.
Will My Sciatica Come Back?
When someone has a chronic medical condition, sciatica can and does recur.
People who do not alter their lifestyles to stop further sciatic pain may also experience relapses in symptoms. However, sciatica typically goes away on its own in a month or two for most people.
How to Treat Chronic Sciatica
1. Exercises for Chronic Sciatic Nerve Pain
One of your most effective defenses against persistent sciatica is to stay active. Maintaining an active lifestyle will help your body’s blood flow, which will reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on your nerves.
The symptoms of obesity and excess weight can be reduced through aerobic exercise, which can also help with the symptoms of chronic sciatica.
For more information on how to get started, check out these easy lower back stretches. Hip flexor and lower back exercises are a great way to loosen up your body and increase mobility.
Use swimming and light walking as your main forms of exercise all day long.
2. Practice Good Posture
Poor posture can put unnecessary strain on your lower back and spine, escalating symptoms. You can relieve stress on your nervous system and lumbar spine by maintaining an upright posture at work.
3. Observe Proper Lifting Techniques
Without realizing it, we can occasionally develop bad lifting habits. When you use the poor technique at work or at home, you can aggravate chronic sciatica by putting undue stress on your back and spinal muscles.
4. Take Anti-Inflammatory Medications
You might want to think about using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs to treat your symptoms if they worsen and you feel a lot of pain. These drugs will reduce pain and swelling.
When to Contact a Doctor
Without or with treatment, sciatica typically goes away on its own.
Doctors can identify the underlying cause of sciatica and may recommend treatments to hasten recovery.
Sciatica is not a medical emergency, so it is okay to wait to see if the symptoms go away before making an appointment with a doctor.
It is advisable to see a doctor if:
• sciatic pain interferes with daily functioning
• sciatica goes away and then comes back
• the pain is unbearable or gets steadily worse
Summary
Despite the fact that most people do not have to deal with sciatica for a very long time, it can be extremely painful.
It is typical for sciatica to last for several weeks. But if weeks turn into months, it might be time to get a diagnosis and look into other treatment options.