Everything you need to know
Sciatica
Sciatica is a common type of back pain and can cause significant disruption in your daily life. The team at Ortho Spine Life is skilled at diagnosing sciatica and creating a customized treatment that can help. There’s no need to live with ongoing pain when there are safe and effective solutions. Schedule an appointment to sit down with a specialist and discuss your specific needs and to learn more about sciatica care. Online scheduling is one option, or you can always reach the office by phone.
What are some common symptoms of sciatica?
Sciatica pain affects your lower body. It can range from mild to severe, and usually only affects one side of your body. Some of the common symptoms of sciatica include:
• Pain in your lower back
• Hip pain
• Pain in your buttocks or leg
• Pain that worsens when sitting and lessens when standing
• Sensations of numbness or weakness in your leg or foot
• Shooting pain down one leg
If you notice these signs of sciatica, schedule a diagnostic exam to learn about treatment options.
What are some common causes of sciatica?
Anything that places pressure on your sciatic nerve can trigger sciatica. One of the most common causes is a herniated disc. Some other common causes include:
• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Pregnancy
• Muscle spasms
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spondylolisthesis
• Falls
• Spinal curvature
• Lumbar joint arthritis
How is sciatica treated?
The condition usually heals itself given sufficient time and rest. Approximately 80 to 90% of patients with sciatica get better over time without surgery typically within several weeks if the underlying cause is a herniated disc. If the nerve compression is due to bone spurs and spinal stenosis recovery may take longer or involve more intensive treatment.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is a great way to treat sciatica. Your therapist creates a customized stretching and exercise program that relieves pressure on your sciatic nerve.
Lifestyle and activity modification
Lifestyle and activity modification can also yield impressive results.
Medications
Medications can play a role in treating sciatica but it’s important to use an experienced practitioner to avoid common and often preventative side effects.
Alternative therapies
Alternative therapies like acupuncture, massage, and yoga are also effective for many men and women.
Non-surgical interventional procedures
Non-surgical interventional procedures may be used to treat sciatic nerve pain.
Surgery can sometimes help by removing bone or other tissue that’s placing pressure on your sciatic nerve. However, only between 5-10% of sciatica cases require surgery. If you’d like a comprehensive diagnostic exam and treatment plan, schedule a consultation at Ortho Spine Life where your road to recovery starts today.
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Common ortho pain areas.
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