SCIATICA, Symptoms, Causes, Risks, Diagnosis, Best Treatment in Mansfield TX

Sciatica refers to the pain that generates as a result of an injury or problem with the sciatic nerve.

The sciatic nerve is the nerve begins from the nerve root in the spinal cord at the lower back and run down to the back of each leg. It is the largest nerve in the body. When this nerve is injured or irritated, it can lead to pain in the lower back down to the hip, buttocks, and legs.

SCIATICA Symptoms

• Discomfort along the nerve pathway
• Pain that radiates from the lower spine down to the leg
• A burning sensation or sharp pain at the lower back
• Muscle weakness at the leg
• Tingling or numbness at the affected area

SCIATICA Causes

Herniated disk in the spine is the common causes of sciatica. Other causes include:

• Spondylolisthesis
• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Spine injury
• Tumors within the spine
• Cauda equine syndrome
• Infection of the spine

SCIATICA Risk factors

The risk factors of developing sciatica include:

• Aging
• Overweight
• Prolonged sitting in a position
• Diabetes
• Occupation or job that requires lifting heavy objects

SCIATICA Diagnosis

Your doctor may review your medical history and ask questions about your symptoms.

You may be asked to walk around so that your doctor can check your reflexes, strength and areas where you feel worst pain.

You may undergo imaging scans such as X-ray, CT scan or MRI so you doctor can view the internal structure of your bones and tissues in your spinal cord and other regions where you feel pain.

You may undergo electromyography to measure the electrical impulses produced by your nerve.

You may undergo blood tests if your doctor suspects any infections.

SCIATICA Treatment

The SCIATICA treatment options depend on the cause and severity of the pain.

SCIATICA Treatment options include:

Home remedies

Home remedies or self-care include applying cold or hot packs to the pain area to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can be used to relieve sciatica pain.

Engaging in walking and stretching exercises such as yoga help to relieve pain at the lower back and make the spine more flexible.

Prescription medications

Prescription drugs such as muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories, narcotics, anti-seizures, and tricyclic anti-depressants can all be used for the treatment of sciatica or conditions leading to sciatica.

Steroid injections

Your doctor may recommend steroid injections to relieve nerve pain. Corticosteroids may be injected into the nerve or area responsible for the pain to numb the pain.

Physical therapy

There are different types of physical therapy that can help strengthen bones and muscles, improve flexibility and relieve pain. Your doctor will suggest the best physical therapy for your condition.

Alternative treatment

Alternative treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic and other forms of spinal manipulations can also be used for the treatment of sciatica. Your doctor will suggest the right alternative treatment for you.

SCIATICA Surgery

Surgical procedures are used for extreme cases when all other treatment options have failed.

Surgical procedure such as lumbar laminectomy is used to widen the spinal cord in the lower back to reduce pressure on the nerves.

Discectomy is another surgical procedure whereby some parts or the entire herniated disk is removed.

Your doctor will determine the best surgical procedure to be used based on your condition.