Does Foot Numbness Lead to Lower Body Paralysis? A Guide to Understanding Sciatica

吳朗然物理治療師
24/06/2024

Home » Pain Pathologies » Does Foot Numbness Lead to Lower Body Paralysis? A Guide to Understanding Sciatica

Sciatica is a common condition that affects about 40% of the population. It is more prevalent in people aged 30 to 50, but it also frequently occurs in the elderly, due to degenerative spinal diseases. Sciatica is usually caused by general wear and tear in the lower part of the spine and pelvis. Mild cases may feel a pulling or numbness sensation in the lower back, thigh, calf, or sole of the foot, while severe cases can lead to hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body) and muscle paralysis in the lower limbs.

This article will break down the causes and treatment of sciatica, teach you a 5-minute relief exercise, and show you how to prevent the worsening of sciatica.

Acute and Chronic Sciatica

Acute sciatica: Occurs within 2 weeks, mainly caused by accidental injuries, leading to low back pain, leg numbness, or lower limb muscle weakness.

Chronic sciatica: Pain lasting more than 2 weeks, with some people experiencing pain for over 5 years. Mainly caused by intervertebral disc damage, spinal nerve compression, or sciatic nerve compression.

6 Common Causes of Sciatica

Herniated or prolapsed disc: This is the most common cause, where a disc bulge or rupture compresses the sciatic nerve, causing pain.
Spinal arthritis: Degeneration and inflammation of the spinal joints can lead to nerve compression and pain.
Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal or nerve root canal can squeeze the nerve roots, causing pain.
Bone spur formation: Long-term use, trauma, or degeneration can lead to the formation of bone spurs that irritate the nerves.
Lumbar muscle strain: Overuse or tension in the lumbar muscles can irritate the nerve roots and cause pain.
Tight lower limb muscles: Tightness in the piriformis, hamstring, gluteal, or small gluteal muscles can compress the sciatic nerve or cause false sciatica.

6 Symptoms of Sciatica

Pain worsens with bending or prolonged sitting: Difficulty putting on shoes, brushing shoes, or washing hair; pain worsens after sitting or standing for more than 15 minutes.
Pain worsens with coughing or sneezing
Numbness or pain radiating from the lower back or lower limbs: Numbness or pain may extend along the path of the sciatic nerve from the lower back, buttocks, and down the leg, sometimes reaching the ankle.
Muscle weakness: The affected muscles may exhibit weakness or decreased muscle strength.
Difficulty walking: Severe pain can affect walking, causing the patient to limp or have difficulty ambulating.
Impaired bowel function: Difficulty with bowel movements, or even incontinence, may occur.

Treatment of Sciatica

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture, massage, and herbal medicine can help relax the muscles and have a pain-relieving effect by promoting blood circulation.
Physiotherapy: Physiotherapists can use manual therapy, traction, electrotherapy, acupuncture, and rehabilitation exercises to alleviate pain and nerve compression. They can also help strengthen and improve the flexibility of the muscles.
Rest and Proper Posture: Adequate rest and changing positions can help relieve sciatica. Maintaining correct posture, especially when sitting and standing, can reduce muscle stress and tension.
Exercise and Stretching: Moderate exercise and stretching can strengthen the muscles, improve blood circulation, and alleviate sciatica. Choose suitable exercises like swimming or Pilates.

【Read more】What is Traction Therapy? Guide to treatment of herniated disc.

Ways to Relieve Sciatica

Maintain correct posture
Stretch and relax the shoulder and neck muscles
Exercise
Apply heat

【Read more】How to Alleviate Sciatica? 5 Daily Exercises and Stretches You Should Know

【Read more】How to Relieve Sciactica? 3 Tips to Maintain Proper Posture

How to Prevent Worsening of Sciatica?

Lifestyle modification could help to prevent worsening of sciatica, which includes:

Avoid sudden bending or lifting
Avoid prolonged sitting or squatting, get up and walk around or stretch every 30 minutes
Avoid forceful coughing or sneezing
Use proper form when lifting heavy objects, seek help for very heavy items
Exercise with proper form and choose suitable weights
Use proper cushioning and support when sleeping

【Read more】【Back Pain】Is It Difficult to Fall Asleep? Physiotherapist’s Suggestion of Best Sleeping Posture

How Long Does Sciatica Take to Heal?

Acute sciatica usually improves within 1 week. If it persists beyond 2 weeks, it may be due to structural changes like disc herniation or spinal stenosis, and professional medical advice should be sought.

When to Get an MRI for Sciatica?

Before considering imaging examinations, we need to consider the following:

Whether the pain has significantly impacted your daily habits and work life
Whether the range of pain and numbness/tingling is expanding
Whether there is weakness in the leg muscles
Whether there is difficulty controlling bowel and bladder

If any of the above occur, it is recommended to consult a doctor early and, based on the overall situation, decide whether to undergo an MRI scan.

Should I See a Chinese Medicine Practitioner or a Physiotherapist for Sciatica?

Both Chinese medicine and physiotherapy can effectively treat general sciatica. Chinese medicine uses herbs, acupuncture, and massage, while physiotherapy uses manual therapy, electrotherapy, and exercise rehabilitation.

For sciatica related to internal organ issues like liver, gallbladder, or digestive problems, a combination of Chinese and Western treatments may be most effective.

MANA Core Values

Integration of Eastern and Western Medicine, Multidimensional Therapy
Reshaping Structural Integrity to Achieve Inner and Outer Balance
Guiding Body Perception to Think & Foster a Healthy Lifestyle
Conducted by Registered TCM Practitioners and Physiotherapists for Examination and Treatment

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