Sciatica

What is sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve (the longest nerve in your body that runs down the back of each leg) becomes compressed or pinched. It triggers pain along the length of the nerve, which starts from the lower back and travels to your hips, buttocks, and legs. Patients often describe the pain as radiating or numbing.

There are several causes of sciatica, including: 

• Misaligned vertebrae 
• Herniated or bulging disks
• Pregnancy 
• Tumors 
• Non-spinal disorders like diabetes

The pain often varies in intensity, with it being a dull or sharp sensation. Other sciatica symptoms include burning, numbness, tingling, or an electric-shock type of pain.

How do I know if I have sciatica?

Electric shock-like or shooting pain that travels from your lower back and into your legs is the most common sciatica symptom. Other symptoms that may suggest you have sciatica include:

• Tingling, numbness, or burning that radiates to your leg
• Muscle weakness
• Dull aching pain

Sciatica pain may come and go. In most cases, the pain can resolve on its own over time with self-care. However, if you can’t find relief for your pain condition, you might need professional help at Pain Management 360.

What are the treatments for sciatica?

The best way to determine whether you have sciatica is through a comprehensive physical exam. As part of the exam, your provider reviews your medical history and discusses the symptoms you’ve experienced. Then, they develop a pain management plan to help you find relief from pain. 

Pain Management 360 might recommend: 

Spinal manipulation

Spinal manipulation is a safe and effective way to help realign the body in an effort to free restricted movement of the spine. It helps to reduce the nerve impingement (pressure) that is responsible for causing inflammation, muscle spasm, pain, and other symptoms related to sciatica. 

Therapeutic exercises

Your provider may recommend exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles surrounding your spine, reducing the risk of injury and maintaining proper alignment.

Interventional treatments 

Pain management 360 offers interventional treatments such as spinal cord stimulation, radiofrequency ablation, and nerve blocks to target areas of pain and provide relief. 

Nutritional counseling

Proper nutrition plays a major role in pain management. Eating properly and maintaining a healthy weight helps the body improve its overall function. 

Ergonomics

Your provider may also assist you with designing an ergonomic environment at work and home. Selecting the proper office chair and mattress can vastly improve your quality of life and reduce painful spinal subluxations (misalignments).

If you require surgery for sciatica, they may recommend a laminectomy (removal of the lamina) or a microdiscectomy (removal of herniated disk). 

Call Pain Management 360 today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about sciatica.