Sciatica, or “Sciatic Neuritis,” is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or damaged. The nerve runs from a person’s lower back through their hips and buttocks down each leg, causing the discomfort to be spread through these areas. It commonly affects only one side of your body.
If you experience weakness or numbness in your leg, urinary incontinence, and pain in your lower back or leg, there is a possibility of you having sciatica. While mild sciatica can be healed using home remedies and self-care techniques, you need to consult a doctor for proper examination and treatment for prolonged and extreme pain cases. Treatment for sciatica in Phoenix can relieve your pain and improve mobility.
Common Causes of Sciatica:
- Herniated Discs- Spinal discs consist of a soft substance inside their exteriors which might slip out and irritate the sciatic nerve. It is common for people that carry out repetitive strenuous activities and can be due to genetic factors.
- Bone Spurs- Bone spurs include the formation of hard excess bones at the end of bones which might press on the sciatic nerve and pinch it. Insufficient rest after constant use and spinal stenosis are common reasons for bone spurs.
- Lifestyle- Older adults are more prone to sciatica. People with unhealthy habits such as deficient diets, little to no exercise, obesity, jobs which involve sitting for long periods of straining areas where your sciatic nerve runs can lead to sciatica. Underlying health conditions can also cause damage to the nerve.
Treatments Methods:
- Home Remedies
When the pain you experience is minimal, you can use heat and cold treatments to aid your recovery. Hot water and ice packs and warm baths are recommended. While it is important to get rest, lack of movement can worsen your pain. Pain relievers can also aid your recovery. Try doing simple stretching exercises to relieve your pain. Be careful with your movements, and do not let them cause further strain on your affected areas.
- Therapy
Physical therapy can be highly beneficial to help sustainably manage your pain. It boosts your mobility, overall strength, and fitness levels. Therapists advise on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and precautionary measures to prevent further complications from occurring. They teach you helpful exercises, stretches, and correct posture as part of a comprehensive treatment plan created based on the severity of your condition. Acupuncture can also relieve your symptoms.
- Steroid Injections
Medication to reduce the inflammation of your sciatic nerve and block the transmission of pain signals to your brain can improve the functioning of your legs and lower back. It enables better movement. Pain management allows patients to carry out their everyday activities and maintain their quality of life.