Causes
Due to the relatively complicated course of the disease, considerable injuries to the sciatic nerve (sciatic nerve) can occur, especially in connection with accidents: Even the intramuscular injection of vaccines into the buttock can cause injury to this nerve. One of the most common diseases of the sciatic nerve is the so-called sciaticigia (see lumboischialgia), which occurs when the nerve is pinched. Pinching can be caused by various previous illnesses and above all by incorrect movement sequences; strong mechanical pressure can also lead to sciatica.
In addition, a special disease, spondylolisthesis (spondylolisthesis), can lead to pinching of the sciatic nerve. In the course of this spondylolisthesis, the individual vertebral bodies shift in relation to each other in such a way that various nerves, including the sciatic nerve, can become trapped. Furthermore, inflammatory processes or gross pressure in the area of the nerve roots can lead to an incarcerated sciatic nerve.
This is particularly common during an existing pregnancy, because during the growth of the child there is a shift in various anatomical structures that can potentially pinch the sciatic nerve. and Pinched nerve Other possible causes are fluid accumulation (edema), fractures of the vertebrae or tumors.
- Pelvic Fractures
- Thigh fractures and
- Dislocations (luxations) of the sacroiliac-iliac joint can lead to paralysis of the sciatic nerve.
Symptoms of a pinched sciatic nerve
If the sciatic nerve is pinched, the following typical symptoms occur: Most patients describe the pain associated with a pinched sciatic nerve as stabbing and burning. The main sign of a pinched sciatic nerve is the pain, which is often strong on one side and is caused by the irritation. Furthermore, the pain can radiate into the equilateral leg.
Movement restrictions, limping or changes in sensation can occur as accompanying symptoms. The examining physician can determine whether this is really an incarceration of the sciatic nerve if the areas of radiation correspond to those supplied by the sciatic nerve. In addition, the pinching of the nerve and the resulting disturbance in the transmission of excitation can lead to sensory disturbances and numbness of the area supplied by the sciatic nerve.
The first sign is usually a tingling sensation in the foot and leg, similar to a leg that has fallen asleep. If the sciatic nerve is pinched, in many cases back pain occurs at the same time. This fact shows that a herniated disc of the lumbar spine or a bulging disc of the lumbar spine can possibly also push off the sciatic nerve.
In the worst case, problems with urination or stopping urine or stool may also occur.
- Moderate to severe pain, which can be felt in all nerve supply areas. Usually these are: buttocks the back of the thigh, the lower leg and parts of the foot are affected.
- Buttocks
- The back of the thigh,
- The lower leg and
- Parts of the foot affected.
- Buttocks
- The back of the thigh,
- The lower leg and
- Parts of the foot affected.
The ischiadicus nerve is the longest nerve in the human body.
It originates from the sacral plexus and supplies the gluteal muscles as well as the muscles of the back thigh, lower leg and foot. At the same time, it also carries sensitive fibers to the rear thigh and large parts of the lower leg and foot, thus enabling tactile and temperature sensation in these regions. Irritation in the course of the sciatic nerve is therefore perceived as pain in these areas of the skin.
This is called the “projection” of the pain. The extent of the irritation of the nerve is reflected in the intensity of the pain. Pain conditions in the area supplied by the sciatic nerve are called sciatica and are characterized by a typical complex of symptoms, which usually allows sciatica to be quickly identified.In addition to a pain usually described as pulling or tearing, which radiates from the buttocks into the leg, there are often sensations such as numbness, tingling or temperature sensation disorders in the supply area of the nerve.
The symptoms are also intensified when sneezing, coughing or performing an abdominal press. By the way, pain in the lumbar spine does not fall under the term sciatica, as this region of the body is not supplied by the sciatic nerve. Instead, it is referred to as lumbalgia.
If they occur together with ischialgia, it is referred to as lumboischialgia. You can find out more about lumboischalgia under Lumboischalgia Cause, Lumboischalgia Diagnosis and therapy of lumboischalgiaIf a leg is numb and paralysis symptoms occur, a doctor should be consulted immediately. Here, further clarification must be carried out as quickly as possible and permanent damage must be prevented.
In some cases, numbness in the leg can be accompanied by difficulties in holding urine or stool. However, some people do not even notice this incontinence because the skin of the legs is numb and does not feel when changes occur. Also in case of problems with urination in connection with acute back problems, one should quickly consult a doctor.
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