Understanding Sciatica
Sciatica is simply a pain that runs from the lower back down the leg, often into the foot and toes. It is caused by an irritation of the sciatic nerve generated by a compression.
Some people struggling with sciatica also can experience a burning, tickling or prickly sensation, generally on one side of the body. The type and amount of pain a person experiences depends upon the area of the nerve compression.
In many cases the pain may be very minor, while in others it can be incapacitating and severe. The majority of people will recover from an episode of sciatica within a few weeks, the pain can sometime worsen over time or persist for much longer. It all depends on the underlying source.
Sciatica and Nerve Deterioration.
It is rare, however in some instances sciatica can result in irreversible nerve damage. The irritation of the nerve that triggers the sciatica pain typically is reversible.
Symptoms of a more dangerous medical problem include bladder or bowl incontinence, growing weakness, or the loss of sensation in the leg.
Exactly Where the Sciatic Nerve is Found:
Sciatic nerves are the longest in the body. They stretch out from the lower back completely down to the toes of the feet.
Sciatic nerves exit the spine between two vertebrae in the lower back and travel behind the hip joint down the buttocks and along the back of each leg into the feet.
Sciatica is caused by the irritation of one or both of these nerves. Typically, a herniated disc places pressure on the sciatic nerve root.
Frequently, people experiencing sciatica have leg pain, which makes them mistakenly think that the sciatica is caused by some kind of problem within the leg.
Other root causes of sciatica can include spinal tumors, trauma, spinal stenosis, or injury.
Any Person Can Have Sciatica.
Lots of people think that sciatica is something that solely effects people who have an inactive lifestyle. And while it’s correct that sedentary people are more susceptible to get sciatica, it in fact can affect active people as well, especially if they participate in activities that involve twisting the back or carrying heavy weights frequently.
In most cases, sciatica will resolve on its own 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 suggested.
Sciatica Treatment Solutions.
Another more natural sciatica therapy option is gentle, non-surgical spinal decompression treatment. By gently decompressing the involved spinal discs 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 struggling with 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.
Contact Philadelphia Disc Center at (610) 853-9000 to Schedule Your Free Consultation!
