Sciatica is a painful condition caused by the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve or the spinal nerves roots that form the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the body, runs from the lower back down to the legs and feet. When it becomes inflamed or compressed, it can cause pain, numbness, and tingling sensations in the lower back, thighs, legs, and feet.
Common Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica is caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Herniated Disc: A herniated or slipped disc occurs when the soft, gel-like material inside the disc pushes out and compresses the spinal nerve roots.
- Spinal Stenosis: Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the spinal nerve roots.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Degenerative disc disease occurs when the discs between the vertebrae wear down and cause the vertebrae to rub against each other, resulting in the compression of the spinal nerve roots.
- Piriformis Syndrome: Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle, located in the buttocks, spasms and compresses the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica Treatment
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for sciatica, including:
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that can help relieve sciatica pain. Physical therapists use exercises and stretches to help improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles in the affected area.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help to manage mild to moderate pain. In more severe cases, prescription medications may be necessary.
- Epidural Steroid Injections: Epidural steroid injections are a type of injection that delivers a steroid medication directly into the spinal canal to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic care involves the use of spinal adjustments to help realign the spine and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve or its spinal nerve roots.
Most interventional pain procedures are done at the onsite procedure suite.
Don’t let sciatica keep you from living your life. Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center is dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care to help you achieve pain relief and improve your overall well-being. Call Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center or book an appointment online today.