01 Jul Sciatica: What is it and How Do You Treat it?
One of the most common reasons that people visit a doctor is for lower back pain–sciatica is often contributing to the problem. Statistics show that 8 out of 10 people suffer from some sort of pain related to their back. Understanding your symptoms–and their causes–is the first step towards recovery. If you are suffering from the pain and dysfunction that sciatica causes there are non-surgical, conservative options that can help relieve your sciatic nerve compression pain in our Westminster and Broomfield locations. Since the sciatic nerve is the longest one in the body, it can cause pain in a surprising range of locations. We can help you diagnose your pain and get you the treatment you need.
What is Sciatica?
First, it is important to understand that sciatica is not a diagnosis but a set of symptoms. Anything that puts abnormal pressure on one or more of your lumbar nerve roots can trigger pain in your sciatic nerve. Sciatica symptoms are found in the lower back and gluteal area. This type of pain can be felt down one (or both) legs through your thigh, calf, ankle and foot–the length of the sciatic nerve. It doesn’t take much pressure in the wrong spot to trigger this radiating pain and associated symptoms. Sciatica is characterized by pain in the lower back and gluteal region. This pain can radiate down one or both legs into the thigh, calf, ankle, and foot.
What Can Put Abnormal Pressure on Your Sciatic Nerve?
The causes of sciatica vary, but some of the more common sources of sciatic nerve compression are from:
- Herniated disk
- Spinal Stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis
- Abnormalities of vertebrae, including misaligned vertebrae
- Bone Spurs
- Injuries or strains
Understanding Sciatica Symptoms
Sciatica differs from general back pain because of the range and location of the pain and other associated symptoms. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from sciatica and should call a member of our Broomfield team for an examination:
- Symptoms restricted to one side of the body
- Leg weakness
- Pain that extends from the hip to the foot
- Increasing pain when seated
- Prolonged pain in the hips or gluteal region
- Reduced flexibility and range of motion
- Stabbing pain that makes standing challenging
Risk Factors for Developing Sciatica
Understanding what can put you at more risk for developing sciatica can help you take the steps necessary to prevent the condition and can help you recognize symptoms when they begin. Sciatica can happen suddenly or over time depending on what is causing the compression on the sciatic nerve. Practice the following steps to help decrease your chances of developing this condition:
- Move. Sciatica symptoms are less likely the more you move your body. Sedentary lifestyles that don’t allow you to walk and stand often can perpetuate symptoms.
- Avoid harmful substances. Smoking and alcohol abuse have been linked to sciatica symptoms
- Limit repetitive bending/twisting. Sports or activities that require this frequent motion put you at risk for injury and compression symptoms.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight can trigger sciatica symptoms.
- Don’t skip your warm-up. Before exercise, make sure you take the time to properly stretch and warm-up to prevent injury/strains.
- Be careful. Traumatic injury to the hip, legs, or back can cause sciatica symptoms.
Treatment Options for Sciatica Symptoms
The good news about sciatica is that it is treatable. Relieving the compression of the sciatic nerve will eliminate your symptoms allowing you to resume your regular activities. While some severe cases will require surgery, at Mile High Spine & Pain Center we believe we should do everything in our power to help you avoid that drastic measure. Our Broomfield clinic can offer you long-lasting, non-surgical relief through:
- Customized exercise plans. We help you safely build muscle strength that can help relieve pressure by making weak areas stronger.
- Heat and cold therapy. Helps to improve circulation and nerve healing.
- Chiropractic care and massage. Careful manipulation of the structures that are putting pressure on the sciatic nerve can help relieve the symptoms.
- Sarapin injections. Relieve the chronic pain so that other treatment protocols can be administered comfortably as you heal.
Free Sciatica Consultation
If you are suffering from back pain that radiates down below your knee from your hip you may be suffering from sciatica. Confirming the source of your symptoms can be done by the team at Mile High Spine & Pain Center. Don’t delay seeking help. Avoiding back pain and related symptoms can result in permanent injury or chronic pain. Mile High Spine & Pain Center provides customized treatment plans for sciatica to patients in Westminster and Broomfield and will help you understand the symptoms and causes related to your pain.
Call (720) 507-0080 today to schedule your free consultation!