What Are the 4 Types of Sciatica?

Neurogenic sciatica

• Occurs when the sciatic nerve gets pinched, causing pressure along the spine.
• Symptoms may include:
  • Sharp, shooting pain down the legs
  • Weak legs
  • Worsening pain in the legs when the issue is rooted in the spine
• As neurogenic sciatica causes abnormal nerve changes, it may also cause symptoms such as:
  • Loss of reflexes
  • Sensory issues
  • Muscle weakness
  • Tingling sensations

Referred sciatica

• Not a true form of sciatica but reflects pain and symptoms; the pain is related to muscle or joint problems.
• Symptoms of referred sciatica include:
  • Dull or achy pain
  • More severe pain in the back than in the legs
  • Altered reflexes
  • Sensory issues
  • Tingling

The most common causes of sciatica are a herniated disc or a bone overgrowth that compresses a part of the nerve. Sciatica can result in inflammation, pain, and often numbness in one or both legs.

Although sciatica pain is severe, it usually clears up in a few weeks with appropriate treatment. Surgery is recommended in case of severe sciatica with leg weakness along with bowel or bladder changes.

Home remedies are ideal for mild to moderate sciatica pain:

• Applying an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling and then switching to heat application.
• Taking over-the-counter painkillers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, to relieve pain and inflammation.
• Performing gentle stretches after learning them from authentic instructors.

If home treatments are ineffective even after 6 weeks, consult a healthcare professional about other treatment options, which may include:

• Prescription medicines such as muscle relaxants can relieve muscle spasms. Your physician may also prescribe tricyclic antidepressants and anti-seizure medications.
• Physical therapy involves exercises that mitigate sciatica by relieving pressure on the nerve. Exercise programs may include:
  • Stretching exercises can improve muscle flexibility
  • Aerobic exercises can improve the overall health
• Spinal injections using corticosteroids into the lower back can reduce pain around the affected area.
• Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, and biofeedback can be effective.
• Surgery may be considered the last resort when other therapies have failed. Surgery options may include:
  • Microdiscectomy to remove fragments of herniated disc compressing the nerve
  • Laminectomy to remove a part of the vertebral bone called the lamina, which may cause pressure on the sciatic nerve