Sciatica

Sciatica is pain that is located in the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in your body. The sciatic nerve controls the muscles in the back and lower legs. Sciatica can be pain anywhere from the lower back all the way down to your legs. Sciatica only affects one side of the body.

Symptoms of Sciatica include tingling, weakness, and numbness in your legs or lower back. The pain from sciatica can vary from mild to sharp. If the pain is sharp, then it may be difficult to stand up and walk. The pain may intensify if there are any sudden movements such as coughing and sneezing. If the pain gets worse, seek medical attention immediately.

The chances of getting Sciatica increase as you get older because your spinal nerves and tissues start to slowly degenerate. The most common causes of Sciatica are other back problems such as herniated discs in the lower spine, bone spurs, spinal stenosis, and joint dysfunctions. Jobs that require lifting can also cause Sciatica if the person is putting too much pressure on their lower back. You can put yourself more at risk of Sciatica and other back problems if you are lifting too much with your back.

Sciatica can be treated with pain relievers and medication if the pain is not as severe. Mild pain is usually treated by itself over time. Physical therapy and other therapeutic exercises can also be done to treat Sciatica. If you still feel numbness or the pain continues to get worse, then surgery may be required. Surgery will remove the bone spur or disc that is causing the pain.

To diagnose the cause of Sciatica, you can get an X-ray or MRI. Most cases are from herniated discs that are out of the spinal canal. Orthopedic SpineCare of Long Island can help determine the cause of Sciatica and give you the proper treatment.