What You Should Know About Sciatica and Spinal Stenosis

Watch What You Should Know About Sciatica and Spinal Stenosis - Rizzle on Dailymotion

Transcript

00:00What you should know about sciatica and spinal stenosis.

00:04Back and leg pain can significantly disrupt daily life and are often mistaken for either sciatica

00:10or spinal stenosis. While both conditions affect the nerves,

00:14they differ in their underlying causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches.

00:18Understanding these differences is essential for finding lasting relief.

00:22Sciatica results from irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve,

00:30typically due to a herniated disc. It affects around 40% of Americans, primarily those aged 30 to 50.

00:41Sciatica symptoms vary, sharp, shooting pain, tingling, or weakness typically on one side.

00:47It may come and go or linger, often worsened by prolonged sitting or lifting.

00:52Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, pressing on nerves.

00:59It usually affects adults over 50 and often develops slowly due to aging or arthritis.

01:07Symptoms involve leg or arm pain, numbness, or weakness, with relief when bending forward or

01:13sitting. Bladder issues may occur. Sciatica starts suddenly and affects one leg.

01:21Stenosis develops gradually, impacting both legs. Movement affects symptom relief.

01:30Diagnosis includes physical exams, imaging, MRI, CT, and sometimes nerve testing to confirm the cause and

01:37rule out others.

01:38Treatment ranges from at-home care and physical therapy to medications, and in severe cases,

01:47surgery. Tailoring care is essential.