Sciatica is simply a pain that runs from the lower back down the leg, often into the foot and toes. It is triggered by an inflammation of the sciatic nerve caused by a compression.
Some people experiencing sciatica also can experience a burning, tickling or prickly sensation, typically on one side of the body. The type and level of pain a person experiences depends on the specific location of the nerve compression.
In some cases the pain may be very minor, while in others it could be intense and devastating. Although the majority of people will recover from an episode of sciatica within a few weeks, the pain can sometime worsen in time or persist for much longer. Everything is dependent on the underlying source.
Sciatica and Nerve Destruction.
It is unusual, however in some instances sciatica can result in permanent nerve damage. But the irritation of the nerve that induces the sciatica pain typically is reversible.
Symptoms of a more critical medical complication include bladder or bowl incontinence, growing weakness, or the loss of sensation in the leg.
Specifically Where the Sciatic Nerve is Located:
Sciatic nerves are the longest in the body. They stretch out from the lower back completely down to the toes.
Sciatic nerves leave the spine between two vertebrae in the lower back and travel behind the hip joint down the buttock and along the back of each leg into the foot.
Sciatica is brought on by the irritation of one or both of these particular nerves. Typically, a herniated disc applies pressure on the sciatic nerve root.
Frequently, people suffering from sciatica have leg pain, which makes them wrongly think that the sciatica is caused by some sort of problem within the leg.
Other sources of sciatica can include spinal tumors, spondylolisthesis, trauma, spinal stenosis, or sciatic nerve tumor or injury.
Anyone Can Have Sciatica.
Many people believe that sciatica is something that solely effects people who have a sedentary lifestyle. And while it’s correct that sedentary people are more at risk to get sciatica, it really can affect active people as well, specifically if they take part in activities that involve twisting the back or carrying heavy weights routinely.
In most cases, sciatica will resolve itself within a few weeks. Therapy options include exercise, physical therapy. For some patients, however, the pain can last much longer, so individualized treatment plans are advised.
Sciatica Therapy Options.
Another more natural and less invasive sciatica treatment option is gentle, non-surgical spinal decompression treatment. By lightly decompressing the involved spinal disks pressure on the sciatic nerve can be eased and the pain from sciatica can disappear.
Contact us today for your free consultation if you or somebody you know is suffering from sciatica. Our medical experts can tell you if gentle, non-surgical spinal decompression treatment is a good option for treating your sciatica and other pain and spinal issues.
Call Sarasota Disc Center at (941) 358-2224 Today and Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation!
