What is sciatica?
Sciatica is a condition describing a collection of symptoms that occur when you have an inflamed sciatic nerve. Your sciatic nerve connects your leg muscles and foot to your spinal cord. It begins on the lower side of your spine, through your buttock, and down your leg where it ends in your foot.
When you have an inflamed sciatic nerve it triggers a variety of symptoms, including pain, tingling, and numbness. This problem is usually simple to diagnose because sciatica discomfort radiates in sharp, burning, or electrical jolts along your sciatic nerve, following the nerve from your lower back into your buttock and down into your leg.
Sciatica symptoms also only affect one side of your body, ranging in severity from mild to intense. In most cases, sitting for prolonged periods, coughing, or sneezing can make your symptoms worse.
Ignoring sciatica symptoms can lead to irreversible nerve damage.
What causes sciatica?
You can develop sciatic nerve inflammation for several reasons, but the most common causes include herniated discs and bone spurs. Each of these conditions can pinch or constrict your sciatic nerve, triggering irritation.
Several factors can increase your chances of developing sciatica, such as:
- Sitting for extended periods
- Having a sedentary lifestyle
- Being overweight or obese
- Living with conditions that can cause nerve damage, like diabetes
You can also have higher rates of sciatica if you have an occupation that involves heavy lifting, twisting your back, or long periods of driving.
How is sciatica treated?
Dr. De La Torre develops a personalized sciatica treatment strategy after performing a comprehensive physical exam to identify the cause of your sciatic nerve inflammation. Based on your diagnosis and the severity of your symptoms, Dr. De La Torre might recommend therapies such as:
- Hot and cold compress therapy
- Massage therapy or spinal manipulation
- Lifestyle changes, like improved body mechanics and posture
- Nutritional counseling to support weight management
- Nerve blocks or steroid injections
Dr. De La Torre might also suggest physical therapy that uses special exercises and stretching to improve your back health.
To find relief from sciatica symptoms, call New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine or schedule an appointment online today.
