Scitica

Sciatica is pain that happens when something hurts or presses on the sciatic nerve. This nerve, is the longest and thickest nerve in your body. The body contains two sciatic nerves, one on each side, originating from the lower back, passing through the hips and buttocks, and extending along the legs.

When these nerves undergo irritation or injury, it can result in sensations like pain, tingling, or numbness that manifest in the back, buttocks, and legs. The discomfort may even extend to the feet and toes, depending on the specific nerves affected. The intensity of pain varies, ranging from mild to severe. Sciatica symptoms can differ, impacting areas such as the lower back, hips, buttocks, or legs.

WHAT CAUSES SCIATICA PAIN?

  •  Herniated discs: When the soft cushioning discs between the vertebrae in the spine bulge or rupture, they can press on the nerves, leading to sciatica.
  •  Degenerative disc disease: This occurs as the discs between the spinal vertebrae wear down with age, causing irritation or pressure on the nerves.
  •  Spinal stenosis Spinal stenosis: Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal, resulting in increased pressure on the nerves, including the sciatic nerve.
  •  Foraminal stenosis : It occurs when the openings between the vertebrae, through which nerve roots exit the spinal canal, become narrower.
  • Spondylolisthesis : Spondylolisthesis involves a vertebra slipping out of its normal position and pressing against the nerves, leading to sciatica symptoms.
  • Osteoarthritis : This condition involves the breakdown of cartilage in the joints and can lead to the overgrowth of bones, resulting in pressure on the nerves.
  • Injuries : Trauma or accidents causing damage to the spine or surrounding tissues may lead to sciatic nerve irritation.
  • Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the increasing weight of the growing fetus or bodily changes may exert pressure on the sciatic nerve, resulting in discomfort.
  • Tumors, cysts, or growths: Additionally, tumors, cysts, or growths that develop in or around the spine could create pressure on the nerves, causing symptoms associated with sciatica.
  • Conus medullas syndrome: A rare disorder affecting the end of the spinal cord, resulting in sciatic nerve issues.
  • Cauda equina syndrome : A severe condition involving compression of the nerves at the lower end of the spinal cord, causing sciatica-like symptoms

SYMPTOMS OF SCIATICA PAIN

Symptoms of sciatica pain are diverse and may include;

  • Pain: Often described as burning or like an electric shock, it arises due to pressure on the affected nerve(s). This pain typically shoots down the leg on the affected side and intensifies during activities like coughing, sneezing, bending, or lifting the legs upward while lying on the back.
  • Tingling or pins and needles sensation (paresthesia): Similar to when a leg falls asleep due to sitting cross-legged.
  • Numbness: Inability to feel sensations in the skin of the affected back or leg areas as signals struggle to reach the brain from these regions.
  • Muscle weakness : Signified by difficulty in walking owing to weakness of muscles.
  • Urinary or fecal incontinence : diffcut to hold urine or bowels functions.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR SCIATIC PAIN

Sciatica, caused by pressure and inflammation on the nerve root, finds effective homeopathic treatment for sciatic pain by focusing on alleviating these factors. The approach involves:

  • Prescription of Purely Homeopathic Medicines :Homeopathic remedies specifically target nerve inflammation without resorting to steroids or NSAIDs. These medicines are tailored to address the underlying inflammation contributing to sciatic pain.
  • Essential Biochemic Remedies : Biochemic medicines derived from minerals like Calcium and Magnesium aid in preventing further degeneration of discs and bone damage. These remedies play a vital role in preventing worsening disc conditions and associated bone issues.

    • HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR SCIATIC NERVE PAIN

    Homeopathic remedies offer potential relief for sciatic nerve pain, which can be kept at home as first aid remedies.

    • Arnica: Useful for soreness in lower limbs post-injury; helpful in reducing discomfort.
    • Belladonna : Provides relief from intense throbbing pain; particularly beneficial for sudden and acute sciatica symptoms.
    • Hypericum: : Effective for nerve pain, tingling, or burning sensations; aids in reducing sensitivity in affected areas.
    • Magnesium Phosphoricum : Assists in easing shooting or stabbing pains; suitable for sciatica on the right side.
    • Colocynthis : Effective for left-sided sciatica pain, particularly beneficial when the pain starts in the lower back and travels down the left leg. Pain may be tearing, shooting, or cramping in nature.

    A good history is the most important step for complete understanding of peculiarities of the person presenting with the common symptoms of sciatica, along with other health conditions he/she has. Association of change in temperament due to sciatica have lot of importance in homeopathic prescription. With amalgam of physical symptoms and the whole experience of what the person is going through helps the doctor to select a good homeopathic medicine. Cure is based on principal of,” law of similars” in Homeopathy.

    Conclusion - Sciatica can be quite troubling and painful. It is important to proactively address the symptoms and causes so that the condition does not worsen over time.

    Dr. Sonali Bhonsle.

    Consultant Homeopath

    BHMS,PG hom (London)

    www.drsonalibhonsle.com

    9371460427