Sciatica is an irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve, called 'nervus ischiadicus' in technical terms, is the longest and with a diameter of 1.5 cm also the thickest nerve in humans. It consists of the spinal cord nerves of several vertebral segments of the 4th vertebrae vertebrae. Lumbar vertebrae up to the 3rd Sacral vertebra together. The sciatic nerve is the only nerve to supply the lower leg.
Causes of the radiating pain in the legs, so-called sciatica symptoms, are often changes in the sensitivity of different receptors of the nervous system or an inflammatory reaction. These can be quite far from the painful body region. The brain then mistakenly interprets the incoming signals as pain on the back of the legs. Very rarely it happens that the root of the nerve in the lower back is irritated, for example by a herniated disc.
A surgical indication is given when serious paralysis such as a droping foot or the so-called Cauda syndrome occur. Caudal syndrome is sensory disturbances in the area of the rectal opening, the sexual organs and the inner thighs or sudden incontinence. However, sciatica alone is by no means a clear sign of surgery. MRI and X-rays do not necessarily provide clarity in these symptoms. Medications provide immediate help in terms of pain. Contrary to widespread assumptions, warmth, massage and acupuncture are only effective for the treatment of pain for the short term. In the long term, however, as with most musculoskeletal complaints, regular exercise and dosed load several times a week work: Strength and endurance training, no matter in what form, is recommended here. It does not necessarily have to spend a lot of time: Current studies show that even 20 minutes of moderate training 3 - 5 times a week are enough to get enough after approx. 6 weeks to experience a significant pain reduction.
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