Quick Guide to Sciatica: Causes and Relief in Under 3 Minutes
By Dr. Devin Bell, DO
Explore its common causes, and provide immediate relief strategies that you can use. Let's get started.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica, also known as "lumbar radiculopathy," typically involves pain originating in the lower back and radiating down one or both legs.
Patients often describe sensations like:
Sharp or shooting pain
Electric shock-like feelings
Numbness and tingling
Burning sensations
Loss of strength or sensation
This pain is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, typically originating in the low back or glutes, and is often aggravated by
Bending forward at the waist
Lifting
Twisting
Prolonged Sitting
Or transitional movements between laying, sitting, and standing
What Causes Sciatica?
The most common causes of sciatica are related to issues with intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers in the spine. These discs can degenerate or bulge into the area around the nerves. This may result from acute injury, such as a motor vehicle accident, fall, or lifting injury, or from years of wear and tear. When this happens, it can irritate the nerve roots and cause sciatica.
In addition to disc-related causes, other factors, such as spinal stenosis and piriformis syndrome, can also contribute to sciatic pain. These terms may refer to different specific pathologies but are often used interchangeably depending on the healthcare provider. Patients may encounter these common terms associated with their condition:
Bulged/Herniated Discs
Degenerative Discs
Spinal Stenosis
Piriformis Syndrome
How to Find Relief?
If you're experiencing sciatica, there are steps you can take for quick relief:
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories can help alleviate discomfort.*(Be sure to check with your Primary Care Physician before starting these medications.)
Apply ice to the lower back in 30-minute increments to reduce inflammation.
Engage in gentle exercises and stretches for relief, such as McKenzie Extension Exercises (similar to Upward Dog or Cobra pose in Yoga), Seated Piriformis Stretches, and Seated Multifidus Stretches. You can find instructional videos for these on YouTube.com.
Furthermore, if you suspect you have sciatica, consider avoiding activities that could exacerbate a bulged or herniated disc:
Avoid bending at the waist, lifting, or twisting the spine, as these actions can increase pressure on the disc, further compressing the nerve.
Be cautious with heating pads or hot showers, as while they may provide short-lived relief, they can potentially increase inflammation around the affected tissues, prolonging the pain.
Remember, if the pain persists, seeking professional medical guidance is essential for a comprehensive diagnosis and a long-term treatment plan.
Understanding sciatica and its common causes is your first step in managing this condition. By following the initial relief strategies mentioned here, you can find temporary relief. But remember, if the pain persists, consulting a healthcare provider is imperative. Early treatment can reduce the risk of it becoming a chronic condition.
At DB2 Regeneration Clinics, we have a proven track record of treating these conditions with a cutting-edge combination of Regenerative Medicine, non-surgical decompression, and Chiropractic Therapy that addresses all aspects of sciatica and disc-related issues. Our non-surgical process using PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) and Cellular medicine (Stem Cell) targets the root cause, promoting faster relief and shorter recovery times, so you can return to the activities you love sooner.
Ready to live a better quality of life? Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward relief. Call (636) 265-2822 or go to DB2gegeneration.com to book an appointment today!
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