Sciatica: causes, symptoms and treatment

Sciatica. You have probably heard of it, or perhaps you have suffered from it yourself at some point. At Farmaciasdirect, we explain what sciatica is, what causes it, and how we can treat and prevent it.

Sciatica: what is it and why does it hurt so much?

Sciatica is a condition involving intense pain, felt like a sharp jolt that appears in the lower back and can spread down the left or right leg, making everyday activities difficult.

This pain occurs because the sciatic nerve (hence the name) is being compressed, causing inflammation. The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the human body. It begins in the lumbar and sacral area (the lower back), runs down the leg and reaches the foot.

Causes of sciatica

The main cause of sciatica is pressure on the sciatic nerve, and this may be due to:

• Slipped disc: a spinal disc moves and presses on it.
• Pregnancy: increased pressure in the area and postural problems.
• Falls, knocks or a sudden awkward movement.
• Caused by other musculoskeletal conditions.

Symptoms of sciatica

These are the most common symptoms:

• The pain feels like a sharp jolt as it can spread from the lower back to the buttock, travel down the back of the leg and reach the foot.
• Alongside this pain, you may also experience tingling, cramp, burning or a feeling of muscle weakness.
• The pain, the area affected and the associated symptoms vary depending on which part of the nerve is affected.

Sciatica: how is it treated?

As for how to treat this condition, the following treatment to relieve sciatica is usually recommended in these cases:

Treatment for sciatica (oral route)

• Anti-inflammatory medicines, to reduce inflammation of the sciatic nerve and the surrounding area.
• Painkillers to relieve the pain.
• Muscle relaxants, to relax the muscles in the area and ease tension.
• Food supplements rich in vitamins B1, B6 and B12 that support the nervous system.

Topical treatment

Applied to the affected area, anti-inflammatory gels and ointments can provide localised relief from sciatica . One of the products most recommended by our pharmacists is Voltadol. It is a topical anti-inflammatory gel. Its active ingredient is diclofenac, which also reduces pain and helps recovery. It provides long-lasting relief, with only 2 applications a day needed. It can be used for sciatica pain or any other type of muscular pain.

If the pain is more intense, we recommend Voltadol Forte, which contains a higher concentration of diclofenac.

Tips to feel better at home and in daily life

At Farmaciasdirect, as pharmacists, we would like to share some advice to help relieve the symptoms of sciatica:

• Rest is advisable, but you should also keep moving by walking a little or doing gentle stretches to support recovery.
• Avoid carrying heavy loads and keep an eye on your posture.
• Apply local heat to reduce inflammation.
• Attend a physiotherapy session.

And remember, if symptoms persist or get worse, you should speak to your doctor, especially if there is loss of strength in the lower limb, urinary and/or faecal incontinence, or disabling pain.