Sciatica is a pain that radiates from lower back, buttock to lower limbs as a result of compression/irritation to sciatic nerve (runs all the way from the lower back splitting at the base of the spine and ends in the foot).

Sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve of the body which arises from the lumber region (lower back). It is in relation with many bones, muscles, tendons and blood vessels in its pathway. Any abnormality in pathway may cause irritation to the nerve and cause pain (symptoms).

Causes of pain and their sciatica support:-

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis: It is a condition characterized by inflammation of joint. If the effected joint is nearer to the pathway of sciatic nerve, it causes the irritation to sciatic nerve and cause pain)
2. Bone eruption disorders ( it is a condition characterized by resorption of bone due to any reason. This results in the floating bony matrix in blood which may cause irritation to sciatic nerve)
3. Primary bone tumor (it is an outgrowth from bone, which exerts pressure over the nerve and causes its irritation)
4. Bone tumor (it is an outgrowth from bone, which exerts pressure over the nerve and causes its irritation. )
5. Osteogenesis imperfecta (it is a condition characterized by abnormal bone formation. If the effected bone is in the pathway of nerve, it will exert pressure over it and causes its irritation and hence pain)
6. Compression of nerve due to tumor, haemorrhage (blood which accumulate around nerve as a result of trauma or injury)
7. Direct trauma or injury to sciatic nerve may cause sciatica pain
8. Iintervertebral disc dessication ( in this condition. The disc between two vertebrae losses it fluids. As a result, nerve passing in between these two vertebrae undergoes compression)

Sciatica Support and drugs

Sciatica results from compression to nerve in lower limb region resulting in muscle pain, discomfort, immobility. It is not common and only 3-5% suffer from this syndrome. Mens are mostly affected with over 40 years of age. Sciatica is characterized by weight loss, difficulty in passing urine and feces, fever, pain, discomfort.

Commonly prescribed medication for sciatica support includes; Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac, Indomethacin, Dexibuprofen, Flurbiprofen, or ketoprofen. Fish oil compounds may also be used as it has anti inflammatory effect.
Sciatica support can be done using Drugs like NSAIDs, however, following side effects may be experienced; Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcer, liver damage, increase blood pressure, depression, confusion, kidney abnormalities.

Sciatica support can be done by Physiotherapy. Physiotherapist may take the history and will note the patient’s abnormal posture, nature, position and activity of the pain symptoms. For sciatica support, the physiotherapy may include many therapies which include mobilization technique, exercise, massage, bed rest, ultrasound, trigger point therapy. In addition to these techniques, applying ice and heat may be helpful in recovery and supporting sciatica.

Sciatica support may include Epidural steroid injections (ESIs). It has been used since 1952 as a part of non surgical management of sciatica. ESIs main purpose is pain relief (neck, thoracic, lumbar region. ESIs may be used in combination with other drugs for good prognosis. Injection in combination with exercise will be very much effective in sciatica support. ESIs delivered directly at the site of pain which controls the local inflammatory effects and reduces the pain.

In ESIs, an adrenal gland steroid harmone named Cortisone is used. Cortisone is released in blood and is short acting. It is injected locally at the site of pain to provide relief from pain. ESIs are powerful anti inflammatory thus helps to control inflammatory irritation and provide long lasting relief. ESIs may show following side effects;  infections, bleeding, increase blood sugar.

Acupuncture may also be useful in sciatica support. Fine needle are inserted along pathway of pain pathway for sciatica support for pain relief purpose. Acupuncture also increases the blood circulation. Acupuncture is preferred by everyone as it has no side effects and very much effective.

Trans cutaneous electrical impulse stimulation (TENS) may also be included in sciatica support. In this technique, low voltage current is passed through skin. Sticky electrodes are joined straight to skin of patient and low voltage current is passed into these needle. TENS is often used to treat joints, muscles and bones problems like arthritis, osteoporosis, tendinitis, etc. TENS is also being used to get relief from the pain such as labor and cancer pain. TENS is safe but the machine can cause harm if improperly managed.