What is Sciatica?

When a patient complains of radiating pain down their leg, this is most commonly due to sciatica. Many people think its a condition of its own, however, it’s not. In fact, it’s a symptom of an underlying condition, such as a herniated disc.

When sciatica occurs, it is most commonly due to a herniated disc or bone spur on the narrowing of the spine compresses part of the nerve (sciatic nerve.) In turn, causing inflammation and pain. Sometimes, even numbness in the affected area.

In many cases, sciatica can be treated non-operative within a few weeks. Although people who experience severe cases may be candidates.

Symptoms of Sciatica

There are a few tell signs of sciatica. Pain that radiates from your lower back to your buttock and down your leg is a good sign. Patients have reported discomfort along the sciatic nerve pathway. But, it’s more common to follow the path from your lower spine to the buttock, down the thigh.

Pain is commonly reported with sciatica, and the levels range from a mild ache to a sharp burn. Patients have also reported jolts or electric shocks. Typically pain is worsened from a cough or sneeze. And prolonged sitting is another way to aggravate the nerve. It’s uncommon for both sides of the body to be affected.

Additional Symptoms, such as:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Muscle Weakness
• Pain

Common Causes

When sciatica occurs it’s due to the sciatic nerve being pinched. And the reason this nerve is pinched is due to underlying conditions, such as:

• Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Spondylolisthesis
• Herniated Disc
• Bone Spurs

Although these conditions cause the sciatic nerve to become pinched. There are also risk factors for the pain to worsen, such as being overweight, not exercising regularly, and wearing high heels. Sometimes, even sleeping on a mattress that is too hard or too soft will aggravate your sciatica!

Treatment for the Condition

First, conservative methods will be explored, such as:

Medications

The types of drugs that might be prescribed for sciatica pain include the following:

• Anti-inflammatories
• Muscle relaxants
• Narcotics
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Anti-seizure medications

Physical therapy

Your doctor or a physical therapist can design a rehabilitation program for your recovery. This will also help prevent future injuries. And typically includes exercises to correct your posture, strengthen the muscles!

Steroid injections

Corticosteroids help reduce pain by suppressing inflammation around the irritated nerve.

If you are in search of a top spine specialist, call us today at 888-409-8006. We have offices located in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Plantation & Coral Springs.