Overview

Pain along the sciatic nerve's path is referred to as sciatica. The sciatic nerve is a large nerve composed of nerve roots that emerge from the spinal cord. These nerve roots emerge between the disc spaces and connect to form the sciatic nerve. It extends from the spine to the buttock and then to the back of the thigh and leg. The sciatic nerve controls sensation and function in the leg and foot. Prolapsed or slipped discs often bulge and press on the intervertebral nerve(s) in sciatica. This pressure irritates the nerve which results in referred pain. The majority of sciatica cases resolve spontaneously within six weeks to three months.

Causes

Compression of the sciatic nerve itself or of the sacral nerves S1 S2 or S3 or the lumbar nerves L4 or L5 are the usual causes of sciatica. Sciatica is caused by a number of conditions including spinal disc herniation spinal stenosis trigger points in pregnancy and habits.

Symptoms

• Sciatica pain can vary greatly. It could have a slight burning dull ache or tingling sensation. 

• Sometimes the pain is so bad that it prevents the person in pain from moving. 

• Some people experience numbness in certain areas of their leg or hip and sharp pain in others. 

• The sole or the back of the calf may also experience the sensations. 

• One leg may feel weaker than the other.

•  Usually, the pain begins gradually. 

• Sciatica discomfort could worsen after sitting or standing. During the evening When laughing coughing or sneezing; when walking more than a few yards; or when bending over backward, particularly if spinal stenosis is the cause.

Ayurvedic View

Gridhrasi- It is considered under vata disease, where the gait of patient is affected due to pain, the legs become slightly curved, resembling the vulture walking style. It has two varieities due to dosha accumulation, predominanatly vata dosha and vata kapha dosha. Due to causes like excess intake of dry, cold food, heavy weight lifting, vega dharana (suppression of natural uges), not undergoing panchakarma purificatory treatment etc, all leads to vata aggravation, which reaches kandara and snayu (ligaments,tendons), asthi (bones and supporting structures) causing pain and stiffness along with neuro symptoms from back to lower limb, this is sciatica. When there is stiffness and heaviness feel more is involved then kapha dosha is aggarvated with vata dosha. Ayurveda way of approach is to bring dosha back to prakruta awastha (balance state), reduce the symptoms by ayurvedic panchakarma treatment and treatment done to strengthen the back and leg muscles, rehabilitate the affected area such that patient has normal gait.

Ayurvedic Treatments

Bashpa swedanam   Patra pinda swedanam   Pinda swedam   Kashya dhara   Kativasti   Virechanam    Vasti   Pichu Kashaya vasti   Pizhichil   Navara pinda Swedanam  Agni karma

Naturopathy Treatments

Spinal bath   Spinal spray   Manipulative therapy   Steam bath   Packs   Acupuncture   Hijama therapy Moxibustion   Physiotherapy   Electrotherapy  Exercise therapy