What is the difference between sciatica and a herniated disc, Their symptoms, causes, and effective treatment methods, sciatica results in pain due to irritation of the sciatic nerve, while a herniated disc is a structural problem in the spine. A herniated disc can cause sciatica. We will learn the difference between them in terms of symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment methods.
What is sciatica
Sciatica is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which is the largest and thickest nerve in the body and extends from the lower back to the foot.
What is a disc
A herniated disc, or slipped disc, is the release of the gelatinous fluid from the disc between the vertebrae of the spine, thus putting pressure on the surrounding nerves.
Symptoms of Sciatica and a Herniated Disc
Symptoms of sciatica include:
- A burning, severe pain in the lower back, extending to the buttocks, back of the thigh, and leg, usually on one side of the body.
- A feeling of numbness and tingling in the leg.
- Weakness in the leg or foot muscles, which impedes movement.
- The pain worsens with prolonged sitting or when coughing or sneezing.
Symptoms of a herniated disc include:
- Severe pain in the lower back, extending to the legs and thighs.
- The pain worsens with prolonged sitting, bending, or carrying objects.
- Weakness in the leg or foot muscles, which affects normal movement.
- Problems bending or straightening the back.
- Tingling and numbness in the lower extremities or feet.
- Neck pain.
What are the causes of sciatica
The most important causes of sciatica are:
- A herniated disc is one of the main causes of sciatica, as it occurs due to the leakage of the gelatinous material within the intervertebral disc.
- Bone spurs, which are small protrusions that form on the spine, put pressure on the nerve.
- Narrowing of the space around the spinal cord and nerves causes pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Degeneration of the discs between the vertebrae with aging.
- Sciatica due to diabetes.
Causes of a herniated disc
There are many causes of a herniated disc, including:
- Aging causes the discs between the vertebrae to lose their flexibility and ability to retain fluid, making them more susceptible to drying out and rupture.
- Excess weight increases the pressure on the spine, increasing the likelihood of damage.
- Weak muscles cannot support the spine, making the discs more susceptible to compression.
- Sitting incorrectly for long periods increases the risk of pressure on the spine.
Sudden movements, such as bending quickly, can cause disc damage.
What's the difference between sciatica and a herniated disc
A herniated disc is a problem in the spine, while sciatica is a sensation of pain that extends along the sciatic nerve and is often caused by a disc compressing the nerve.
Sciatica Diagnosis
Sciatica is diagnosed by assessing symptoms and a clinical examination, along with imaging tests such as X-rays and MRIs.
The doctor may use a CT scan to determine the cause of the compression on the sciatic nerve, and other tests such as an electromyogram (EMG) may be performed to determine the severity of the nerve injury.
Methods for Diagnosing a Herniated Disc
A herniated disc is diagnosed by performing a physical examination and evaluating the medical history. The doctor will often order an MRI to confirm its presence, determine its location, and determine the severity of the compression on the nerves.
The treating physician may use X-rays or a CT scan to rule out other causes, or an EMG to assess nerve function.
Sciatica Treatment
The treating physician determines treatment based on the cause of the pain. Common treatments for sciatica include:
- Cortisone injections, which are injected directly into the area around the sciatic nerve to reduce inflammation in severe cases.
- In some cases, surgery is necessary to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, such as removing a portion of the disc.
- Radiofrequency ablation is an appropriate technique when medications and physical therapy fail to respond. Physical therapy works to localize the pain.
Home Remedies for Sciatica
Sciatica pain can be relieved at home using:
- Hot and Cold Compresses. Initially, cold compresses are applied to the painful area to reduce inflammation. After two days, hot compresses can be used to promote blood flow and relax the muscles.
- Deep breathing exercises and meditation can help with general relaxation and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Gentle exercises can increase the flexibility of the tendons and relieve pain.
- Walking can help reduce inflammation and increase blood flow to the nerves and muscles.
- Gently massage the painful area of the lower back.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Avoid strenuous activities and avoid lifting heavy objects.
Methods of Treating a Herniated Disc
Treatment for a herniated disc depends on the severity of the condition. The doctor will prescribe pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications that help relax the muscles.
Physical therapy is an effective treatment for herniated disc conditions, such as stretching exercises, massage, and hot and cold compresses. In advanced cases, the doctor may resort to surgical intervention, steroid injections, or techniques such as radiofrequency ablation.
Summary of the Difference Between Sciatica and a Herniated Disc
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped disc, is a problem that occurs in the vertebrae themselves due to the leakage of the gelatinous fluid from the disc between the vertebrae of the spine, which causes pressure on the surrounding nerves.
Sciatica, on the other hand, is pain resulting from irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve itself and can be caused by a herniated disc or pressure on the gluteal muscles.