Sciatica Pain Relief – Sciatica Treatment

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What is Sciatica?

Sciatica (lumbar radiculopathy) is common nerve irritation. The sciatic nerve can produce pain, numbness, and weakness down the leg along the areas innervated by the sciatic nerve. It locates under the piriformis muscle. According to PubMed, inflammation and compression are essential for the symptomatic nerve root. Studies indicate that people with physically demanding jobs run a higher risk of lumbar radiculopathy compared to the general population. Experts recommend staying active and using prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The lumbar spine vertebra is the largest in the body because they carry the most weight, are subject to the most significant amount of stress, and are also most associated with back and leg pain.

The lowest levels (L4-L5) and (L5-S1) have the most flexion, extension motion stress, and the highest injury rate. The intervertebral discs of these two levels also have the highest rate of disc degeneration and herniation. The L5 vertebra is the most common site of spondylosis and spondylolisthesis. The most common lumbar nerves that get pinched or entrapped are the L4, L5, and S1 levels. Entrapment of these nerves may lead to a condition called Sciatica.

Nerves exiting the lumbar spine area provide sensation and motor control to the back, buttocks, legs, and down to the foot. Damage or interference with the transfer of information of these nerves can cause neurological problems such as pain, weakness, abnormal sensations, numbness, and changes in spinal reflexes. These symptoms may occur in the back, leg, and down to the foot.

What Are the Causes of Sciatica?

Sciatica results from irritation, inflammation, pinching, or compression of a nerve in the lower back.

Our sciatica specialists suggest the following as common causes of lumbar radiculopathy:

• Herniated discs place pressure on the nerve, in addition to inflammation that irritates the nerve.
• Degenerative joint disease resulting in bony spurs on the facet joints can narrow the intervertebral space placing pressure on the exiting nerve.
• Trauma or muscle spasms can pressure the peripheral nerve, producing symptoms along with that nerve’s distribution.
• Degenerative disc disease that results in wear on the intervertebral disc and a reduction in disc height may result in loss of space at the intervertebral foramen compressing on the exiting nerve.
• Tightness of the piriformis muscle results in compression of the sciatic nerve underlying the muscle.

Sciatica is especially prevalent in athletes participating in sports that require frequent twisting, bending, or lifting. Contrarily, a sedentary lifestyle can also lead to sciatic nerve compression. Our doctors will locate the precise source of the nerve compression to treat sciatica symptoms properly.

Redefine Healthcare’s best-in-class doctors for sciatica pain are honored to provide you with highly personalized and comprehensive care. Please contact our pain management physicians as soon as possible to discuss your individual sciatica problem and begin the road to recovery.