Sciatica

Gambaran umum

Sciatica is a term for pain that travels along the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs from your lower back down through your buttock and into the back of your leg. The pain is usually caused by something pressing on the nerve, such as a slipped disc or a narrowed space in your spine.

Yes, sciatica is very common. Up to 40% of people will experience it at some point in their lives.

Sciatica can affect anyone, but it is most common in people aged 30 to 50. It also tends to affect people who sit for long periods, have jobs that involve heavy lifting, or have a history of back problems.

Gejala

Gejala umum

• Pain in the lower back, buttock, or leg – often described as a burning, shooting, or sharp pain.
• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot.
• Weakness in the leg or foot, making it hard to lift your foot or walk normally.
• Pain that gets worse when you cough, sneeze, or sit for a long time.

Gejala pada anak-anak

• Sciatica is rare in children, but if it occurs, symptoms may include limping or avoiding putting weight on one leg.
• Children might complain of a burning or aching feeling in the buttock or leg.
• They may have trouble keeping up with friends during play or sports.

Gejala pada lansia

• Older adults may experience sciatica due to age-related changes in the spine, like narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis).
• Pain may be less sharp but more of a constant ache, often in both legs.
• Weakness and balance problems can increase the risk of falls.

Penyebab

Penyebab utama

• A herniated disc – the soft cushion between your spine bones slips out and presses on the nerve.
• Spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal canal that squeezes the nerve.
• Spondylolisthesis – a bone in your spine slips out of place and pinches the nerve.
• In rare cases, a tumour or infection can press on the sciatic nerve.

Faktor risiko

• Age – discs become less flexible and more likely to herniate as you get older.
• Prolonged sitting – especially with poor posture.
• Heavy lifting or twisting your back at work or during sports.
• Obesity – extra weight puts more pressure on your spine.
• Diabetes – can increase the risk of nerve damage.

Kapan harus ke dokter

Segera temui dokter jika:

• You have sudden loss of bladder or bowel control.
• You feel numbness or tingling in your groin or saddle area.
• You have sudden weakness in both legs.

Buat janji temu rutin jika:

• Your pain has not improved after a few weeks of self-care.
• Your pain is affecting your daily activities or sleep.
• You have numbness or weakness that keeps getting worse.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. They may check your leg strength, reflexes, and sensation. They might also ask you to walk or move in certain ways to see what triggers your pain.

Tes yang mungkin dilakukan

• Most of the time, no tests are needed because your symptoms and exam are enough to diagnose sciatica.
• If symptoms are severe or do not improve, your doctor may order an MRI scan to look at your spine and nerves.
• Rarely, a CT scan or nerve conduction test may be used.

Apa yang diharapkan saat janji temu

Your doctor will talk with you about your symptoms and do a straightforward exam. They will explain the likely cause and give you advice on self-care. If more tests are needed, they will explain why and what will happen next.

Perawatan

Treatment for sciatica focuses on relieving pain and helping you stay active. Most people recover with simple self-care and time. Your doctor may suggest a combination of rest, gentle exercise, pain relief, and physical therapy.

Perawatan mandiri di rumah

• Stay active, but avoid activities that make the pain worse. Gentle walking is good.
• Apply heat or cold packs to the painful area for 15–20 minutes several times a day.
• Try simple stretching exercises for your back and legs, like lying on your back and pulling your knee toward your chest.
• Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees to support your spine.

Perawatan medis

If self-care is not enough, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories (like ibuprofen). They may also prescribe stronger pain medicines, muscle relaxants, or nerve pain medicines – always as directed by a healthcare professional. Physical therapy with a specialist can teach you exercises to strengthen your back and core muscles.

Kapan operasi dipertimbangkan?

Surgery is rarely needed. It is considered only when symptoms are severe, such as causing major weakness in a leg or affecting bladder or bowel function, and only after a few weeks of trying other treatments. The most common surgery is a discectomy – removing the part of the disc that is pressing on the nerve.

Hidup dengan kondisi ini

Try to stay as active as your pain allows. Avoid long periods of sitting. If you have a desk job, stand up and stretch every 30 minutes. Use a chair with good lumbar support. When lifting something, bend your knees, not your back.

Tips gaya hidup

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your spine.
• Practice good posture when sitting, standing, and sleeping.
• Avoid smoking – it can weaken spinal discs and reduce healing.

Diet dan olahraga

A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps your body stay healthy and repair tissues. Gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga can improve flexibility and strengthen muscles that support your spine.

Kesehatan mental dan kesejahteraan emosional

Living with pain can be frustrating and stressful. It is normal to feel down or anxious. Talk to your doctor or a counsellor if you are struggling. Staying connected with family and friends, and finding activities you can still enjoy, can help your mood.

Pencegahan

You cannot always prevent sciatica, but you can lower your risk by staying active, maintaining good posture, and using proper lifting techniques. Regular exercise that strengthens your back and core muscles helps protect your spine.

Program skrining

There is no routine screening test for sciatica. If you have back pain or symptoms, your doctor can assess your risk and give you advice.

Komplikasi

Jika tidak diobati

• Chronic (long-lasting) pain that does not go away.
• Muscle weakness or wasting in the leg or foot.
• Loss of feeling in part of your leg.
• Rarely, cauda equina syndrome – a medical emergency that requires immediate surgery to prevent permanent paralysis.

Prospek jangka panjang

The outlook for sciatica is very good. Most people feel better within 4–6 weeks with simple care. Even if your pain takes a bit longer, there are many treatments that can help. With the right approach, you can get back to your normal activities.

Cari dukungan

Organisasi internasional

• North American Spine Society (NASS) ↗
• The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) ↗

Organisasi lokal

• NHS – Back pain ↗ · UK
• HealthDirect – Sciatica ↗ · Australia

Saluran bantuan

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