How to Know If Sciatica Causes Pain in your back – Signals AZ

If you experience discomfort that extends through the lower part of your body back into your buttock through your leg, and eventually into your foot or ankle It may be sciatica. Sciatica is an medical problem that is caused by the sciatic nerve is injured.

“With sciatica, the pain is usually constant, however it may be made worse due to activity or movement” explained R. John Hurlbert, MD an orthopedic neurosurgeon from Banner the Banner University Medicine North in Tucson, AZ. There is a common occurrence of an numbness or tingling sensation that is associated with the pain.

What is the cause of sciatica?

It’s usually an injured disc or bone spur that’s located on the spine that irritates your sciatic nerve and can cause these signs.

Sciatica typically affects those who are in their 30s or 40s. “In this category over 90% of patients will recover and get back to normal with no any surgery” Dr. Hurlbert stated.

How is sciatica diagnosed?

It is often difficult to determine sciatica because back pain is widespread and has many causes. Your physician will:

• Request you to tell us the location where you feel pain, and describe how the pain feels like.
• Do a neurologic exam
• Most likely, we will recommend an MRI test to find the presence of a herniated disc or bone spur, or any other causes of pain.

What can you do to prevent sciatica?

There’s no way to assure you that you won’t get sciatica however, you can make steps to decrease the chance of getting it.

People who are obese, smoking cigarettes, or both, are at risk of developing sciatica. Therefore, keeping at or below 10lbs of the ideal weight and staying away from nicotine-based products are among the most effective methods to avoid sciatica.

Doctor. Hurlbert also recommends that you keep up your fitness levels and strength, and that you ensure that you do not injure your spine. For instance, you should remember to lift your legs instead of your back.

What are the best ways to cure sciatica?

If your healthcare provider is able to diagnose sciatica there are a variety of treatments that can aid in healing and ease the discomfort. In the initial six to 12 weeks following the first symptoms appear You can think about:

• Lifestyle modifications to prevent aggravating the pain
• Medicines such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen
• Physical therapy
• Massage
• Chiropractic manipulation
• Acupuncture
• Steroid injections

If you suspect you suffer from sciatica Talk to your doctor before letting the time pass. “If your symptoms are becoming worse or persist for more than 12 months, then surgery may be the best option,” Dr. Hurlbert explained.

What is the best time to seek medical attention immediately?

If you suffer from sciatica discomfort in both legs or numbness in your pelvis or weakness while standing on your toes or heels visit your doctor immediately as soon as you can since these symptoms could be indicators of an illness that requires medical attention.

The most important thing is the bottom line

It is common for you to hurt your back and then develop the symptoms sciatica. If you have, talk with your doctor. Many people heal without surgery. If you’re in need of an expert to evaluate and manage your back discomfort, Banner Health can help.

Content is from BannerHealth.com

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