What You Need To Know About Sciatica...
What Is It?
Sciatica is a term used to describe nerve pain in the leg that is caused by irritation and/or compression of the sciatic nerve.
The Sciatic nerve originates in the lower back, radiates deep through the buttock muscles, and travels down the leg.
Sciatica pain is typically felt like a constant burning sensation or a shooting pain starting in the lower back or buttock and radiating down the leg. Sciatica symptoms may feel worse while sitting, bending, or laying dow. Basically, it can hurt all the time although some positions make it feel better and some make it worse.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is a symptom of nerve compression and the sciatic nerve can be compressed anywhere along its path from the lower spine or many of the muscles in the pelvis or buttock. Like most musculoskeletal problems, Sciatica is not the result one specific event but rather an accumulation over time of tightness and compression which eventually results in symptoms.
How To Fix It...
Self Care - Mild cases of sciatica will typically respond favorably to ice or heat, walking, and light stretching of the leg and hip muscles as long as they can be performed without pain.
Professional Care - When I see someone in my office with Sciatica it is important to first identify WHERE the nerve compression is coming from. Once the source of the nerve compression is identified treatment can begin to reduce the compression on the nerve and the use of Laser Therapy will help to reduce any inflammation to the area and speed the healing process. Sciatica will typically respond quicker with early intervention and slower if the problem has been there for an extended period of time.
If you or someone you know is suffering from Sciatica, click here if your like to schedule an evaluation to determine the source of your Sciatica pain and recommended course of action. If you'd like more information about how I treat Sciatica in my office, click here.
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