Understanding Sciatica Pain
Sciatica Pain is one of the common pain ailments that we treat at Progressive Pain and Interventional Psychiatry. Sciatica pain originates from the largest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve. This nerve extends from the lower back, to the butttock, all the way down your legs.
Sciatica can be caused by many things such as narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis), a herniated disc, or a bone spur. Sciatica symptoms can include back pain as well as numbness and pain shooting down the leg. Sometimes sciatic pain can be acute and not need intervention; however for some patients the pain can be chronic and cause more complex and painful medical conditions if left untreated.
Progressive Pain and Interventional Psychiatry have minimally invasive options available to those who suffer from sciatica designed to manage and treat your pain.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica pain starts in your lower back and radiates down through the buttocks to the back of the leg. The pain can range from mild to severe, and will usually worsen after sitting for long periods of time; pain can worsen when coughing or sneezing.
Sciatica can cause the leg and foot that is affected to be numb, tingle, or to be weak. More severe forms of sciatica can affect bladder and bowel function. Pain from sciatica can affect bending, sitting, and many everyday tasks.
It is important to not delay in getting treatment for sciatica, as it can affect your everyday life; preventing you from doing the things you need to do such as work and care for yourself.
Can you be at risk?
While anyone can develop sciatica, certain individuals are more at risk. If you have a job that involves twisting your back, carrying heavy items, or driving long hours you are at higher risk. Additional risk factors also include: diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, or carrying extra weight or being obese. Women who are pregnant often develop sciatica as well.
Sciatica is not often dangerous but can sometimes cause permanent damage to the nerves. If you feel you may have sciatica it is important to be seen by a professional who specializes in the condition.
Sciatica Treatment Options
During your evaluation at Progressive Pain and Interventional Psychiatry, your doctor will examine you and test things such as your reflexes in your legs. If you are having more severe pain, imaging may be required. If we have diagnosed you with sciatica, a good option for you would be corticosteroid injections and physical therapy.
Prescription medications may be necessary in some cases, but we like to explore other options before prescribing. Surgery may be recommended if your sciatica is causing issues with your bladder or bowel, or in the event all other treatments have not been successful.
If you are suffering from any type of sciatic pain, we are here to help you get back to a pain free life. Call Progressive Pain and Interventional Psychiatry today (214) 441-7369.