Sciatica

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a type of nerve aggravation that happens in the lower back part of your spine. Your sciatic nerve runs from your lower back, through your hips and buttocks, and down your legs. 

When a herniated disc or bone spur places pressure on your sciatic nerve, you get symptoms of sciatica. 

Sciatica normally only affects one side of your body. You might get pain, tingling, or numbness in the affected leg. Although your symptoms can be severe, sciatica often resolves itself over time. If it doesn’t, the team at 43rd St. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation can treat the underlying cause to relieve your symptoms and help you walk comfortably again. 

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Sciatica symptoms vary from person to person. However, they all occur in one of your legs. Your symptoms might include:

• Pain in your buttock
• Lower back pain
• Hip pain
• Leg pain
• Muscle weakness
• Leg numbness
• Foot numbness
• A tingling sensation radiating through your leg and foot
• Burning sensation

Your sciatica pain might feel like a dull ache, or you might get jolts of severe pain. Prolonged sitting or laying down can aggravate your symptoms, making it hard to get a good night’s sleep. The pain can affect everyday life and cause you to struggle at work. 

Am I at risk for sciatica?

There are several potential causes of sciatica, including bone spurs, herniated discs, and tumors. These and other conditions can compress your sciatic nerve and cause symptoms. You’re at a higher risk of developing sciatica if you:

• Are overweight or obese
• Sit for long periods of time
• Have diabetes
• Carry heavy objects at work

Your risk for sciatica increases as you age because of age-related changes to your spine. While you can’t always prevent sciatica, you can reduce your chances of getting it by exercising regularly and improving your posture.

How is sciatica treated?

At 43rd St. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, the team evaluates you during a consultation and examination. They might perform tests like X-rays to find bone spurs or other potential causes of your sciatica. 

Then, they recommend treatments based on your needs. Your sciatica treatment plan might involve:

Chiropractic care

The team can realign your spine with chiropractic care to alleviate symptoms of sciatica. Successful chiropractic adjustments can also help prevent your sciatica from returning in the future.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy involving the placement of needles along energy lines in your body. A licensed acupuncturist places the fine needles at specific points in your skin to balance your energy and treat a wide range of conditions, including sciatica.

Spinal decompression

During spinal decompression therapy, the team stretches your back on a table or with special equipment to relieve pressure throughout your back and ease the pain of sciatica. 

Custom orthotics

Custom orthotics are high-quality inserts for your shoes. They give you extra support while standing or walking, which can help relieve sciatica symptoms. 

Massage therapy

The team at 43rd St. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation can relieve some of the pressure on your sciatic nerve using various massage techniques.

Physical therapy

Certain exercises and stretches can help you improve function in your back to relieve sciatica pain. 

If your sciatica symptoms don’t go away with home care and rest, call 43rd St. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation or book an evaluation online today.