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 the sacral nerves S1, S2 or S3 or the lumbar nerves L4 or L5 is the usual cause of sciatica. Sciatica is caused by several 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 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 backwards, particularly if spinal stenosis is the cause.

Ayurvedic View

Gridhrasi- It is considered under vata disease, where the gait of the patient is affected due to pain, the legs become slightly curved, resembling the vulture walking style. It has two varieties due to dosha accumulation, predominantly vata dosha and vata kapha dosha. Due to causes like excess intake of dry, cold food, heavy weight lifting, vega dharana (suppression of natural urges), not undergoing panchakarma purificatory treatment, etc, all lead 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 than kapha dosha is aggravated with vata dosha. The 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 the patient has a normal gait.