What Are Sciatica And Brachialgia?

Living with back pain can make life extremely challenging. In this video Mr Awaiz Ahmed, Consultant Spinal Surgeon at Shirley Oaks Hospital talks about the common back problems: sciatica and brachialgia and possible treatment options. Links: For more information on back problems: Sciatica and Brachialgia To search for a consultant near you - https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/find-an-appointment Chapters: 00:00 - 00:28 - Introduction 00:28 - 00:50 - How common are back problems? 00:50 - 01:22 - What is sciatica? 01:22 - 02:03 - What treatments are available for sciatica? 02:03 - 02:32 - What is brachialgia? 02:32 - 03:03 - What treatments are available for brachialgia? 03:03 - 03:10 - Tips for caring for your spine 03:10 - 03:35 - Maintain good posture 03:35 - 04:32 - Look after your supporting muscles 03:35 - 04:27 - Avoid unnecessary strains 04:27- 04:59 – Outro How common are back problems? Back issues are the most common cause of job-related disability and account for a significant number of days off work. Although pain in your back is a very common symptom of back problems, issues with your spine and nerves can also cause symptoms elsewhere, for example in your arms or legs.  This is the case for two common back problems: sciatica and brachialgia. What is sciatica? Sciatica is a condition that occurs when your sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to your feet, is compressed or irritated. Symptoms of sciatica include pain, tingling and numbness. These symptoms may occur in your bottom, legs, or feet. Most people experience sciatica pain in just one side. Some people will have sharp pain in one area and numbness elsewhere. You might also feel weakness in your legs. Sciatica may come on gradually or very quickly. For most people, it will get better in four to six weeks. What treatments are available for sciatica? Sciatica is a symptom of underlying back problems, but these tend to go away in time. So, your consultant may first recommend exercises, stretches and mild painkillers to deal with the immediate symptoms.  Bed rest is not recommended. You'll probably be advised to take it easy for just a couple of days, before slowly starting your usual activities again. However, you shouldn't take any action before speaking to a medical expert, just in case. If pain is significant, you may be referred to physiotherapy or a specialist. In cases of very severe sciatica, you may need to have painkilling injections or, very rarely, surgery. What is brachialgia? Brachialgia happens if you have a trapped or compressed nerve (normally in your neck) that causes pain in your arm and/or hand. Symptoms are similar to those caused by sciatica in the legs. As well as arm pain and hand pain, you might experience tingling or pins and needles, and perhaps numbness or weakness. Like sciatica, brachialgia can develop quickly or gradually. Most people will find their symptoms gradually ease without the need for invasive treatment. What treatments are available for brachialgia? Similarly to sciatica, brachialgia is a symptom of underlying back problems that normally go away by themselves. Initial treatment will focus on addressing your pain. You might be recommended physical therapy, like hydrotherapy or massage, or be advised on stretches and exercises that can ease your pain. If you are in severe pain, you might be recommended injections into the nerve, or even surgery to correct the problem causing your brachialgia. These treatments won't be suggested unless other, less invasive methods have failed. Consultant details: Mr Awaiz Ahmed is a Consultant Spinal Surgeon at Shirley Oaks Hospital. He practices at Shirley Oaks Hospital in Croydon: Awaiz Ahmed - Consultant Spinal Surgeon in Surrey Do you want to hear more about treatment for back problems? Leave a comment below and we will plan future videos on suggested topics. To see how Circle Health Group can help you - Back problems #backproblems #sciatica #brachialgia