Sciatica is a medical condition characterized by pain that runs down your sciatic nerve.
Your sciatic nerve is a thick nerve that travels from your lumbar spine to your buttocks and down your leg on both sides of your body to provide sensory information, such as heat, cold, or pain, from the outer portion of your leg to your brain.
A herniated disc, which is when the soft cushion between your vertebrae pushes out and presses or pinches the nerve, is the most common cause of sciatica.
Bone spurs or a narrowing of your spinal column, referred to as spinal stenosis, can also compress the nerve and cause the pain.
The tell-tale sign of sciatica is pain that runs from your lower back down through your buttocks and into your leg on only one side of your body.
The degree of the pain, however, may vary. You may feel a dull ache or a sharp pain that feels like an electric shock. You may also experience tingling, burning, or numbness.
If you have a mild case of sciatica, your symptoms may resolve on their own. However, if your pain lasts longer than a week or the pain is affecting your ability to manage daily tasks, it’s time to reach out to your doctor for help.
Treatment for your sciatica depends on the severity of your symptoms and is determined by your doctor. In addition to medication, such as anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxers, your doctor may also recommend:
Goodlife Physical Medicine specializes in peripheral nerve conditions and back pain, and can develop an effective treatment plan to help relieve your sciatica symptoms. Treatment may include an exercise program and manual therapy.
In addition to helping you get relief from your acute sciatica pain, your provider at Goodlife Physical Medicine provides treatment to prevent a recurrence. Treatment includes an exercise plan to improve back strength for better support and proper body mechanics for lifting.
Maintaining good posture is also necessary to prevent a return of your sciatica. The team also provides techniques and tools to help you maintain good posture while engaging in your daily activities.
For relief from sciatica, call Goodlife Physical Medicine or use the online booking button to schedule a consultation.
