Sciatica is a condition in which pain radiates along the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in your body that runs from your lower back through buttocks and down both legs. When compressed or irritated, this nerve can produce sharp shooting pain along its path from lower back through buttocks to legs; making walking, sitting or standing painful activities— painful enough that they significantly impact quality of life!
Common Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica’s most prevalent source is herniated or bulging discs in the spine, which press on the sciatic nerve and place pressure on it. Other possible sources include spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal canal), injuries to spine or pelvis, bone spurs, pregnancy or tumors – even when its cause remains unknown its effects can still be severe and debilitating.
Sciatica symptoms typically include:
- Sharp, shooting pain that travels from the lower back down one leg. (may reach all the way to calf or foot)
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Muscle weakness in the legs or feet
Sciatica’s distinctive pain radiates along its nerve path unlike chronic back pain which typically lingers lower in the back.
Read more about sciatica right here
Diagnosing Sciatica
Accurate diagnosis is key for effective treatment of sciatica. A healthcare provider, like the pain doctors at Dallas Pain Institute, will perform a physical exam that assesses range of motion, muscle strength and reflexes, then conduct tests such as straight leg raise to identify sciatica; imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans may help pinpoint where nerve compression has taken place while nerve function tests such as EMG may also be employed to assess the condition’s severity.
Sciatica Pain Treatment Options
Sciatica can often be managed without resorting to surgery. Non-invasive therapies may offer viable solutions such as:
- Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen or Naproxen may reduce inflammation and pain. Muscle relaxants may also be prescribed.
- Epidural Steroid Injections: Corticosteroids administered as epidural injections can reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
- Nerve Blocks: Nerve blocks offer temporary relief from severe or persistent discomfort by temporarily blocking pain signals to provide temporary comfort.
- Physical Therapy: Individualized exercises designed to strengthen core and back muscles, increase flexibility and promote proper posture are an integral component of physical therapy. Our pain clinic can refer you to a trusted physical therapist in the North Dallas area.
A combination of pain management treatments is often recommended along with regular check-ins with your pain provider. This ensures your treatment plan can be adjusted as necessary.
When Surgery Should Be Considered
Surgery may be considered when non-invasive treatments do not provide relief, or when nerve compression causes weakness or loss of bladder control. Common surgical options for this situation are:
- Microdiscectomy: Deliberate removal of herniated discs that are putting pressure on the nerves.
- Laminectomy: Removal of part of vertebral bone to relieve pressure on the nerve.
Advanced Pain Management at Dallas Pain Institute
Dallas Pain Institute (DPI) provides advanced pain management specifically tailored to sciatica. Our specialists use cutting-edge treatments, such as spinal cord stimulation that disrupts pain signals and radiofrequency ablation that deactivates nerve fibers responsible for pain. In combination with physical therapy, medication management, and lifestyle changes we create an integrative treatment plan.
Self-care and Conservative Management
When managing sciatica at home, consider:
- Ice and Heat Therapy: Ice packs help reduce inflammation while heat relaxes muscles.
- Gentle Exercises such as walking or stretching to improve flexibility while relieving nerve pressure.
- Over-the-Counter Medications such as NSAIDs also assist in managing pain and inflammation.
- Lifestyle Changes: Engaging in good posture, weight management, stress relief, and ergonomic adjustments can help stave off sciatica flare-ups.
Why choose DPI?
At Dallas Pain Institute, our board-certified specialists use innovative pain management techniques for personalized care that is patient centric. With state-of-the-art facilities and a patient-centric approach, our goal is to help alleviate sciatica pain for good.
Take Action Now Against Sciatica Pain
Don’t allow sciatica to interfere with your daily life! Arrange an appointment with DPI today to explore treatment options and start on the path toward living without pain.
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