What Causes Sciatica and How Is it Treated?

Sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain, is so prevalent that many people consider it a normal part of aging, especially in middle age. However, it’s important to know that sciatica discomfort can be treated by a pain management specialist—there’s no need to accept sciatica pain as an inevitable or unsolvable issue.

What is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain, tingling, or numbness that travels along the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg. It occurs when the nerve is compressed or irritated. The pain can fluctuate, disappearing for months or even years before potentially returning. Because of this recurrence, it’s recommended to consult with a pain management specialist for effective treatment.

What Causes Sciatic Nerve Pain?
Various factors can lead to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which in turn causes sciatica. Understanding the location of the sciatic nerve can help identify the potential source of the pain, but for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, it’s always best to seek the advice of a physician who specializes in pain management.

Sciatica Symptoms and Signs
Common symptoms of sciatica include sharp lower back pain, buttock, or down one leg, usually affecting only one side of the body. You may also experience tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected leg or foot. Sciatica pain often worsens when sitting or standing for long periods, making individuals in sedentary jobs—such as truck drivers or cab drivers—more vulnerable. Activities like sudden movements, coughing, or sneezing can also aggravate the pain. Regardless of the trigger, the underlying cause of sciatica remains the same: irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.

How is Sciatica and Sciatic Nerve Pain Treated?

Once it is diagnosed, sciatica pain can usually be effectively treated by a pain management specialist. Interventional pain treatments are very effective because they block the nerve’s pain signals. One popular sciatica treatment is epidural steroid injections. These injections contain an anesthetic along with the steroids. The anesthetic blocks the pain signals almost immediately. Then, the steroid goes to work, reducing inflammation and providing longer-lasting relief. 

12/17/2024 7:02:06 PM

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