What is Sciatica and how it is treated?

Posted by Performance Spine & Sports Medicine on November 14th, 2019

Some people may not know why they get a sudden sharp pain in their legs. However, this is often a condition that is caused by inflammation or injury of the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs from the lower back to the back of the legs and into the feet. 

This condition is called sciatica, and its symptoms may include weakness or numbness in the lower back. This includes pain, which travels down the leg or foot. It can be dull and deep or even sharp. 

Sciatica can be managed at home, but if it is severe, you can consider coming to Performance Spine & Sports Medicine. If you aren’t based locally here in Pennsylvania, try searching for pain management doctors near me on Google.

What Causes Sciatica? 

There are a plethora of causes, and each of them requires a slightly different treatment. Whether or not you are getting surgery, getting rid of sciatica pegs on why this nerve is inflamed. The causes may include the following:

· Spondylolisthesis (a misaligned or slipped vertebrae).

· Spinal stenosis (the narrowing of the space inside the spinal cord).

· Degeneration of the spine resulting from tear and wear.

· Extra bone growth or bone spurs.

These causes may be addressed by a neurologist, but that should not be the first option. Our treatment options for Sciatica Old Bridge NJ may give a viable option when it comes to the treatment of sciatica, depending on the cause and severity of the condition. What’s more, the sciatic pain may emanate from irritation of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle in the buttock, a condition called piriformis syndrome. This condition rarely requires a neurologist. 

Treating Sciatica at Home 

Sciatica may be treated at our Performance Spine & Sports Medicine facility, where many people have been able to find the best pain management doctors near me. Or, it is also possible to handle treatment at home. This is because many cases of Sciatica are resolved within days. If you opt to treat this condition at home, you need to do the following. 

Get Enough Rest 

Getting rest does not mean you restrict yourself to bed rest because it is not recommended. What it means is that you need to minimize your activity to reduce the irritation of the sciatic nerve and give the area time to heal. The idea is to avoid any movements that would lead to increased pain. 

Use Cold Packs 

If you can apply an icepack on the irritated area, you can relieve the pain. This can take 20 minutes a time and do it for several days. It works better immediately the symptoms begin. 

Taking Anti-Inflammatory Pills 

You can take anti-inflammatory pills to relieve the pain, as well as the inflammation. 

When and Who to See for Sciatica Treatment 

If the pain continues can you have movement problems even after several days of self-care, you may have to consider Performance Spine & Sports Medicine’s low back pain doctor East Brunswick NJ.

If you experience loss of leg movement or sensation, loss of bowel or bladder control, it’s time to engage the services of our specialists. A neurologist is better placed to deal with every case of sciatica

At Performance Spine & Sports Medicine, we have family doctors and general practitioners who can help you in diagnosing sciatic and recommending the best treatment.