Isias

Sciatica, also known as sciatica, usually presents as a sudden onset of sharp pain in the lower back. The complaint is triggered by inflammation of the so-called sciatic nerve. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, so it is always worth investigating the cause. It is a common complaint over the age of 40, and sitting may be a contributing factor. The concepts of lumbago and sciatica are often confused, as both are characterised by severe low back pain, but the former is muscular and the latter is neurological.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is an inflammation of the longest peripheral nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve (sciatic nerve). This nerve is made up of nerve roots that exit the spinal cord at the lumbar spine and run down through the pelvis to the legs. It is also responsible for the movement of many muscles and the sensory innervation of the legs. Sciatica is when the sciatic nerve is under pressure or pinched and becomes inflamed. This usually causes severe, sharp pain in the lower back and often radiates to one, less often both, legs.

Although many people think of sciatica as a disease in itself, it is actually a symptom that can be caused by a variety of conditions. That is why, if you notice the characteristic symptoms, you should see an orthopaedic or rheumatology specialist as soon as possible, who will diagnose the condition accurately and recommend a personalised treatment. If the examination is delayed, the sciatic nerve can remain under permanent pressure, which can lead to permanent nerve damage or, in the worst cases, paralysis.

The risk of sciatica

In older age, the condition of bones, cartilage, joints and muscles is not what it was when you were young, so Over the age of 40-50, sciatica is more common. In addition to age, other risk factors include a sedentary lifestyle, scoliosis, heavy physical work, lifting heavy weights and playing sports with unilateral loads. In addition, obesity, smoking and persistent anxiety can also contribute to the development of sciatica.

Symptoms of sciatica

The most common symptom of sciatica is severe, sharp pain in the lumbar part of the spine, which increases with standing and sudden movements. Lower back pain often radiates to the thigh and the foot. There may be pinprick-like sensations, numbness, tingling and, in more severe cases, loss of sensation. Sometimes the pain in the limb is more severe than the pain in the lower back. In very severe cases, paralysis or incontinence may develop.

Treatment of sciatica

Investigating sciatica rheumatologist and orthopaedic specialist also deals with. The Budapest Musculoskeletal Private Clinic has specialised patient journey protocol have been developed to ensure thorough investigation and effective, targeted therapies.

Our mission is to help our patients regain their freedom of movement as soon as possible, and to permanently and long term relief from painful complaints.

Often, sciatica is caused by a serious musculoskeletal disorder - in order to clarify this, it is recommended to identify the underlying disease causing the pain and make a diagnosis. In its absence, only short-term symptomatic treatment is possible.

Medical treatment

Building blocks for a successful investigation based on the BMM patient journey protocol:

• The medical history is half the diagnosis, and many diseases can be ruled out by detailed questioning.
• A thorough physical examination by a specialist. On the basis of the physical examination, a specialist will determine the need for any diagnostic imaging tests:
• X-ray examination can confirm bony lesions. X-rays are usually taken of the spine, hip joints, knees and feet. This is often necessary for isolating diagnostic purposes.
• The condition of the soft tissues, discs, articular cartilage, muscles and tendons is accurately assessed by the radiograph.
• In some cases, a CT (computer tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is also needed to make an accurate diagnosis.
• In the case of nerve involvement, neurophysiological testing, ENG or EMG is required to determine the extent of suspected nerve damage.

Treatment options for sciatica

In the case of sciatica, the first symptomatic treatment of acute pain comes into play. Spinal decompression, oral non-steroidal analgesics, possibly steroidal topical anti-inflammatory injections, or medical collagen injection therapy is recommended. During the symptomatic treatment rheumatologist or orthopaedic specialist diagnostic tests recommended by the EU. Based on the test results, an accurate diagnosis can be made and outpatient therapy can be started.

Treating the underlying cause can permanently relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, to avoid the return of inflammation. Different causes require different treatment protocols, but in most cases conservative therapy can avoid surgery. With personalised, specific physiotherapy and therapeutic massage, and possibly physiotherapy treatments, spinal disorders can be well treated. If the underlying disease causing sciatica is advanced, causes paralysis or does not respond to conservative treatments, surgical intervention is an option. In this context neurosurgical medical consultation needed.

What is the difference between sciatica and lumbago?

In the public mind, the term is often confused with lumbago and the isias the concept of. In both cases severe back pain is the main complaint, but they are easily distinguishable by their nature.

In the case of lumbar hernia, it is muscle pain in the lower back, which usually develops suddenly, in due to strain on the spine. In lumbar amputation, there is no nerve involvement, no pain radiating to the limbs, no numbness and no loss of sensation.

Sciatica is a complaint of nervous origin, caused by a serious problem that has developed over a long period of time. Identifying the underlying cause is key to effective treatment, so it is worth consulting a rheumatologist or orthopaedic specialist as soon as possible. Procrastinating a medical examination can cause permanent damage to the nerve and paralysis if the nerve remains under pressure for too long. Identifying and treating the spinal disease that is causing the pressure is necessary to treat sciatica and relieve painful symptoms.

Common complaints treated by specialists at the Spine Centre

• back pain
• back pain
• scoliosis
• nerve pinching
• back pain
• neck pain
• stiff neck - neck stiffness
• osteoporosis
• back pain
• spinal stenosis
• back pain
• pain in the lumbar spine
• pain in the buttocks
• neglect
• sacral pain
• shoulder blade pain
• morning backache
• pain in the back of the neck