12 Aug Causes and Treatments for Sciatica Back Pain
Sciatica usually appears as radiating, shooting pain in the back and one of the legs. The pain often begins in the lower back or buttocks and radiates down the back of one leg.
The level of Sciatica pain may vary from a mild ache to an unbearable sharp pain. Some patients report feeling an electric shock or a jolt-like sensation that may worsen after prolonged sitting for long periods of time.
Causes of Sciatic Pain
The term, Sciatica, has been derived from the sciatic nerve. The pain is the result of the sciatic nerve being compressed or irritated due to a herniated disc (disc prolapse) in the lower back. The disc itself, or its contents may leak and press against the large sciatic nerve. Since this nerve branches off the spine and runs down the buttocks and down the leg, the pain often follows the same path.
Apart from a slipped or herniated disc, sciatica pain may be the result of –
- Muscle spasms (due to nerve compression)
- Spinal stenosis
- Inflammation (from an infection close to the nerve)
- Trauma
- Tumor
Treatment for Sciatica Pain
The treatment for sciatic pain will depend upon its cause and that may vary from one individual to another. Avoid heavy lifting and engage in a moderate exercise program to reduce the pain and inflammation.
Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments –
- over-the-counter or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) medications
- cortisone injections
- muscle relaxants
- physical therapy
- massage therapy
- nerve blocks
- epidural injection
If you are suffering from sciatica pain or any other type of chronic pain, it is best to consult a pain management doctor right away.
If you are looking for the best internal medicine doctors, pain management doctors, or house call doctor in San Diego, call Pacific Medical Care at 619-333-8114 Today. All you have to do is make a phone call and the doctor will be at your doorstep within a short while!
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