Have you ever felt a sharp irritating pain on one side of your leg that radiates from your lower back through your buttocks and down to your legs? Experts estimate that approximately 40% of people are likely to have sciatica at one point in their lifetime. The pain mainly occurs when a bone spur or herniated disc compresses a part of your sciatic nerve. The compression results in pain, inflammation, and numbness in your affected leg. Las Vegas sciatica expert Dr. McNulty specializes in diagnosing, managing, and treating various spine-related complications that will prevent you from living a fulfilling life. Though this pain could go away with time, you should not delay seeking professional help when the pain progresses to an advanced state.
What are your risk factors for developing sciatica?
Sciatica is not a preserve for specific individuals. It affects the young and old alike. The pain’s risk factors include:
· Prolonged sitting. Leading a sedentary lifestyle or sitting for long hours could increase your chances of experiencing sciatica.
· Diabetes. Diabetes affects your body’s use of sugar; thus, risking nerve damage.
· Bodyweight. By being obese, you increase stress on your spine, and this can trigger spinal changes.
· Age. Age-related spinal changes like herniated discs will likely trigger sciatica.
What are the symptoms you are likely to have when you have sciatica?
The condition commonly affects one side of your lower body. The pain will extend from your lower back through your thighs back down to your leg. The pain may also spread through your toes and foot, depending on the nerve’s affected point. While some people will experience debilitating symptoms, the pain may be infrequent with a risk of worsening in others.
Sciatica’s common symptoms include:
· A burning or tingling sensation that moves down your affected leg
· A sharp pain that makes it difficult for you to stand
· Hip and lower back pain
Sciatica varies and can either be mild or severe with disabling pain. Though mild sciatica goes away with time, sometimes the pain can progress and worsen. Therefore, contact your doctor immediately when you:
· Have trouble with bladder or bowel control
· Experience muscle weakness on the affected leg
· Have fever
· Experience numbness in your upper thigh
· Have back pain
How does your doctor diagnose sciatica?
When you go to your doctor for diagnosis, the professional will perform a thorough physical examination to evaluate your reflexes and muscles’ strength. Your doctor could also request you to do some exercises like walking on your toes to find your pain’s root cause. If your pain is irritating and severe, your doctor will recommend imaging tests to check out for further complications.
What should you expect during sciatica pain treatment?
Mild sciatica will fade off with home remedies and self-care activities like stretching and taking prescription medication. Your doctor will recommend treatment depending on your pain’s cause. For instance, your doctor could suggest physical therapy or spinal injections to reduce inflammation.
However, suppose the pain progresses and fails to respond to non-invasive treatments. Your doctor will recommend surgical procedures to remove the herniated disc or bone spur pressing on your sciatic nerve, causing you pain.
You are likely to ignore sciatica, especially if it is mild. Unfortunately, pain can worsen and affect your life. Do not hesitate to seek medical assistance immediately when the pain gets persistent and severe. Schedule a sciatica appointment today for more information.