Do you have pain affecting your back, hip, or outer side of the leg? Chances are you have a condition known as sciatica.
What causes sciatica?
There are a number of reasons for an aggravated sciatica, a large nerve extending from your lower back down the back of each leg. Sciatica happens when trauma or a medical condition increases pressure on your sciatic nerve. Common causes of sciatica include:
- Herniated discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal bone spurs
- Tumors on the spine
- A traumatic injury
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Being overweight
- Not exercising regularly
- Wearing high heels
- Smoking
- Long periods of driving
- Constant twisting of your back
- Lifting heavy things
What are symptoms of Sciatica?
Common symptoms include:
- Lower back pain
- Pain in the rear or leg that is worse when sitting
- Hip pain
- Burning or tingling down the leg
- Weakness, numbness, or a hard time moving the leg or foot
- A constant pain on one side of the rear
- A shooting pain that makes it hard to stand up
Typically, sciatica affects one side of the lower body. The pain can extend from the lower back down the back of your thigh and sometimes all the way to the toes.
What are common treatments for Sciatica?
Your physician will determine if sciatica is present using diagnostic tests including X-ray, CT scan, electromyography (EMG) and MRI. Once a determination is made, the team at Tarpon Interventional Pain & Spine Care develops a personalized treatment plan. Most people with sciatica find relief from nonsurgical treatments, including:
- Pain-relieving medication
- Use of cold or hot packs
- Stretching
- Steroid injections
- Physical therapy
If your pain does not improve using the methods above, you might require surgery.
For expert treatment of sciatica, call Tarpon Interventional Pain & Spine Care or schedule an appointment online today.