Sciatica is a condition that affects the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest in the body, and it runs from the spinal cord down the back of each leg. Sciatica is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve. It can cause pain, numbness, or tingling down the leg to the foot. In most cases, it is harmless, but it’s not something you want to ignore! If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment with a doctor specializing in sciatica in Washington, PA, to discover what’s causing them and how to treat them best.
Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica occurs most often when the sciatic nerve is pinched or pressed. Sciatica is generally caused by a bulging or herniated disk, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), and degenerative arthritis in the spine. It can also be caused by a tumor pressing on the nerve.
Some risk factors for sciatica include advancing age, smoking (which can weaken the body’s immune system), obesity (which puts extra pressure on the back), and some kinds of heavy physical labor like doing repetitive lifting or bending.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica causes severe pain in the lower back and shoots down the buttock, thigh, leg, and foot. The pain usually gets worse when you sit, stand, or walk. You may also experience numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the affected leg. In some cases, sciatica may also cause constipation, a common symptom of nerve conditions.
You may also experience sciatica for no apparent cause. The pain may last only a few minutes or be severe and debilitating. The pain can vary from one person to another, but it usually comes on gradually without warning.
People with severe cases of sciatica aren’t able to do much more than lie in bed and may require hospitalization.
Treatment for Sciatica
While sciatica usually goes away on its own within a few weeks or months, it’s best to seek treatment because there are measures you can take that may prevent the symptoms from worsening. Some cases of sciatica require surgery to correct the underlying problem.
However, treatment focuses on relieving the pain and other symptoms in most cases. This relief may include taking pain medication, using ice or heat packs to reduce inflammation, doing physical therapy exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles and ligaments around the spine, and using a back brace to support the spine.
Prevention of Sciatica
You can reduce the chances of getting sciatica and other back and neck problems by maintaining a healthy weight and strength and practicing good posture. If you sit for long periods, make sure you periodically get up and stretch your muscles. Stretching is especially important if you work at a desk job that requires you to sit most of the day.
It is also essential to avoid repetitive movements that could strain your back or spine, such as lifting heavy objects or standing for long periods.
In summary, sciatica is a condition that affects the sciatic nerve. It occurs when the sciatic nerve is pinched or pressed. The most common symptom is severe pain in the lower back and shoots down the buttock, thigh, leg, and foot. Treatment may include taking pain medication, using ice or heat packs to relieve inflammation, doing physical therapy. In extreme cases, you may need surgery.