Sciatica condition arises from the pinched sciatic nerve. It is characterized by symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the buttocks, thigh, and leg on one side of your body. Some estimates suggest that more than 12% of adults will experience this condition at least once in their lifetime. In Shrewsbury, New Jersey, you’ll find reliable sciatica specialists ready to diagnose and put you in the proper treatment. Thus, book an appointment with the best center for sciatica in Shrewsbury. Let’s break things down.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a condition that causes pain that runs from your lower back into the backs of your thighs. Several different conditions can cause this pain. The most common cause is a herniated disc in the spine pressing on the nerve as it exits from two vertebrae. In other cases, sciatica may be due to spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, or piriformis syndrome. These all manifest themselves physically, but there are some things you can do to help relieve your symptoms and make life more comfortable.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica usually presents itself with pain, tingling, or numbness along the length of your sciatic nerve. You might have all three symptoms at once, or just one or two – but they should be constant unless you are currently experiencing a reprieve from your condition. These symptoms can worsen when you’re sitting down for long periods, coughing or sneezing, and they can make it difficult to walk, stand or climb stairs.
Treatment for Sciatica
There are several different treatments available for those who suffer from sciatica. The most crucial first step is seeing your doctor and finding out what’s causing your pain. Your doctor can help you rule out some possibilities and determine which treatments will work best for your specific condition.
There are two standard treatment methods currently available, with epidural injections of steroids proving one of the most popular options. Other treatments include physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and massage.
Steroid Injections
Epidural steroid injections are one of the most common treatments for sciatica. A physician will inject a corticosteroid medication into the epidural space around the spinal cord. This can help to reduce inflammation and relieve some of the pain.
Physical Therapy
Using stretching, heat treatments, and other therapies to relieve tension on the sciatic nerve can help reduce your discomfort. This is usually done in conjunction with muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medications. Sometimes physical therapy sessions are supervised; sometimes, they involve exercises that you can do at home.
Spinal Decompression
This treatment method has grown in popularity over the past few years. It involves using a machine to pull your spine to decompress discs and other structures. This allows for better spinal fluid movement, which should help reduce the pressure on your sciatic nerve and provide you with some relief from sciatica symptoms.
Sciatica is a condition that many different factors can cause, but the most common cause of this debilitating pain is some herniated disc in the spine. Luckily there are treatments available for those who suffer from sciatica. Some people may experience relief with steroid injections, while others need physical therapy.
