Chronic back pain is one of the common complaints among a significant number of adults. Chronic pain is not only physical but also psychological, affecting your entire life. Different factors may be responsible for pain, including injuries and underlying health conditions. Sciatica is one of the causes of chronic back pain. It involves pain that travels down your leg. The Sciatica Washington, PA specialist at Steel City Spine and Orthopedic Center offers extensive diagnoses and treatments to relieve pain and restore health. Here is what you should know about sciatica.
What is sciatica?
It refers to pain that spreads out along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is in the lower back and runs through the hips and buttocks, down to the legs.
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica develops when something presses or pinches the sciatic nerve. The two common causes of sciatic nerve compression include bone spur and herniated disc. Sciatica may also result from spinal stenosis, spine cysts or tumors, and wear and tear.
Health conditions like diabetes may also cause damage to the sciatic nerve. But not anymore, with a proper diagnosis and treatment from an orthopedic clinic, you can achieve ultimate relief from sciatica pain.
What are the risk factors for sciatica?
Sciatica may occur to anyone; however, some factors may increase your risk of developing sciatica.
Age
Usually, as you get older, you become prone to herniated discs and bone spurs which increases your risk for sciatica.
Obesity
Having excessive weight is not healthy for you. In addition to the problems associated with the excess weight, it adds pressure on the spine, increasing your risk for sciatica.
Occupation
Jobs that cause stress on your back and spine may cause sciatica in the long run. Jobs that involve heavy lifting or extended periods of sitting may also improve your risk for sciatica.
What are the symptoms of sciatica?
Sciatica pain moves along the sciatic nerve. The pain travels from your back through the hips to your legs.
Sciatica pain may be sharp and sudden, or it may feel like a burning sensation or a dull ache. In severe cases, you will likely encounter tingling and numbness on the sciatic pathway.
What are the treatment options for sciatica?
Dr. Idema and the team at Steel City Spine and Orthopedic Center provide effective treatments for sciatica. They offer surgical and nonsurgical options based on the severity of your symptoms.
Less severe cases of sciatica heal on their own with rest. In comparison, others improve with non-invasive treatments such as physical therapy, acupuncture, and epidural injections.
In cases where you do not find relief with conservative treatments, your provider suggests minimally invasive procedures like laminectomy and microdiscectomy. The minimally invasive techniques guarantee quick recovery and a decreased risk of complications. The treatments also offer lasting solutions.
Sciatica causes severe pain that is likely to affect your life quality. Life can be difficult when you have to deal with sciatica pain daily. But who said you have to be alone? Dr. Idema is here to restore your life with comprehensive treatments.
Contact Steel City Spine and Orthopedic Center today to schedule your consultation and receive the care you deserve.
