Sciatica - What Is It? - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

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Sciatica - What Is It?

Sciatica - What Is It?

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What is sciatica?

Sciatica (pronounced sigh-at-i-kuh) is pain from the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down the back of each leg. Sciatic pain can feel like shooting or constant pain, numbness, or tingling in the lower back, buttock(s), and one or more legs. The intensity of the pain can range from intermittent and mildly annoying to constant and severe.

Sciatica is generally caused by damage or irritation to the sciatic nerve. There can be many causes for this, from infection to aging to herniated discs. In the case of post-hysterectomy sciatica, it is most likely caused by a pinching of the sciatic nerve during surgery or recovery. A patient can wake up from surgery with sciatica if her position on the operating table caused a sciatic nerve pinch. Or one can develop sciatica during recovery from lying in bed more than usual or in an awkward position.

You might find some relief from your sciatica by using heat or ice applied where it is most painful. Over-the-counter or prescription painkillers and anti-inflammatories can temporarily alleviate the pain as well. If the pain continues to worsen and becomes debilitating, you can request an epidural steroid injection to reduce inflammation around your sciatic nerve and may experience immediate relief. Epidural steroid injections do not work for everyone, unfortunately, but they do have a high success rate in relieving acute sciatica for several months to a year. Some women also report finding relief from sciatica through exercises, chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture, or massage therapy.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.

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Find A Doctor Near You

Mini Somasundaram, M.D. 4845 Knightsbridge Boulevard Suite 220 Columbus OH 43214 (614) 583-5552	Charles Miller, M.D. 120 Osler Drive Suite 100 Naperville IL 60540 630-428-2229	Megan Bird, M.D. 364 SE 8th Ave, Suite 205 Hillsboro OR 97202 503-681-4145
Debra Richardson, M.D. Gynecological Oncology Clinic - SW Med 2201 Inwood Road Suite 106 Dallas TX 75390 214-645-4673	Iris Orbuch, M.D. 202 Spring Street 2nd Floor New York NY 10012 212-343-3040	Arnold Advincula, M.D. Florida Hospital Celebration Health 400 Celebration Place Celebration FL 34747 (407) 303-4573
Brad Cohen, M.D. 2477 Route 516 Suite 103 Old Bridge NJ 08857 732-679-6900	Wilfredo R. Ramos, M.D. 5301 F Street, Suite 210 Sacramento CA 95819 (916) 453-3440	Ellen Wilson, M.D. 5323 Harry Hines Blvd - Dept of OBGYN Dallas TX 75390 214-648-4747

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