Have you ever felt numb excruciating pain on one of your legs? Is this pain persisting and, despite painkillers, does not seem to go away? You may be suffering from a nerve condition known as Sciatica. This is a typical condition responsible for most of the cases of lower back pain. Sciatica can affect almost anyone with certain conditions increasing the risk of contraction. Read the article further to find out more about Dayton Sciatica.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is the condition that results in pain around the route taken by the sciatic nerve,i.e.; it goes from your lower back through your buttocks and hips and onto each leg.
Sciatica occurs when a part of your nerve is compressed due to narrowing the spine, a bone spur on the spine, or a disfigured disk.
Treatments that do not involve operations are usually applicable despite the severe pain associated with Sciatica. Those who require surgery typically have bladder problems, leg weakness, or bowel issues.
Signs and Symptoms of Sciatica
The major symptom is typically pain from your lower back down to your buttocks and onto the back of your leg. The pain and discomfort can be felt anywhere along the route taken by the sciatic nerve.
The pain usually varies from excruciating pain to a mild burning sensation. Extended periods of sitting, sneezing, or coughing may worsen the symptoms found on only one side of the body. You may experience some signs of weakness or numbness in one part of the body and pain in another.
Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve is pressurized by a bone overgrowth or a disfigured disk on your spine. The nerve may be compressed by a disease like diabetes or a tumor on rare occasions.
Certain situations increase the risk of getting Sciatica, and these include:
- Obesity as excessive weight adds to the stress on your spine
- Increasing age
- Extended periods sitting down
- Jobs that require carrying heavy lifting
- Diseases like diabetes that involves blood sugar add to the risk of nerve damage
Sciatica may be avoided through a measure like:
- Proper posture when sitting
- Regular exercise
- The use of proper body mechanics
Diagnosis and Treatment
Physical exams are typical diagnostic measures to check your reflexes and muscle strength. Additional tests may be required to ascertain the condition. These are imaging tests that include:
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- X-ray
- Electromyography
Self-care measures may not be enough for treatment. Certain medications may be given for the pain, such as:
- Narcotics
- Muscle relaxants
- Anti-seizure medications
- Anti-inflammatories
- Tricyclic antidepressants
Other treatment methods include:
- Physical therapy for rehabilitation once the acute pain improves to prevent future injuries.
- Steroid injections into the site surrounding the affected nerve root to reduce pain and irritation
- Surgery which is usually the last option in extreme cases
Pain in your leg may be a very discomforting feeling as you spend most of your day walking around. This may affect your quality of life as you are not done with ease. If you suspect you have Sciatica, visit our website or call our offices in Dayton, OH.
