disc pressing against sciatic nerve

If you have a sharp pain or tingling going from the lower back to your foot, you may be suffering from a condition known as sciatica. Sciatica happens when one of the discs in your back presses against the bottom nerves of your back. Those nerves are crucial, as they make up the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in your body. If there is even a hint of obstruction, sciatica could flare up and cause immense pain.

What Causes Sciatica?

The most common cause of sciatica is spinal disc herniation, which occurs when a small tear in the exterior of a spinal disc allows the soft interior of the disc to slip out, which places pressure on the sciatic nerve. This causes the pain and tingling sensation that shoots down the leg. Spinal disc herniation can be caused by an injury to the spine through various incidents. Car accidents, improper weight lifting posture-induced injuries are but a few cited for such causes. It is also important to maintain good posture while sitting or standing. Combined with maintaining a healthy weight and adding regular exercise to your lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of herniated disks and the complications that follow.

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While disc herniation is a common cause of sciatica, there are other conditions which can induce sciatica as well.
Cysts, tumors, and certain syndromes have also been known to create sciatica. These causes of sciatica are very rare, but are still serious nonetheless. It is important for you not to deduce the cause of these issues alone. By consulting an expert, you will be able to determine the most effective method towards recovery and avoid additional and more severe complications.

What Are The Symptoms Of Sciatica?

Sciatica most often affects one side of the body. However, in rare cases, it has been known to show up on both sides. Furthermore, pain is distributed often through the back and sides of the leg.

Since sciatica is pain involving the nerves, the pain can feel deep and sharp. That is due to its location in the dermatomes, which are nerves located along certain sections of skin. If you have a herniated disc along a certain section of your spinal column, the herniation will be reflected as pain in a certain area of dermatomes.

If you have a herniated disc in the lower back, you may start having pain in your thigh, the lower part of your leg, and your foot. This is not the case with all cases of sciatica, as different portions of the back will affect different portions of the body.

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man experiencing nausea and dizziness

What About Related Symptoms?

At Biomotion, we understand that pinched nerves can cause complex related symptoms. When a nerve is pinched, it can bring about nausea, dizziness, and even vertigo depending on its location. To identify the root cause and to find appropriate treatment, reach out to our physical therapy specialists. With our expertise, we can provide the answers and support you need to treat not just the cause of your pain, but your related symptoms too.

If You’re Experiencing Symptoms Of Sciatica

If you’re experiencing symptoms, it’s important to follow these steps:

  • Start by contacting a qualified physical therapist. Sciatica can typically be managed effectively with the right treatment.
  • Stay active. Sciatica takes longer to heal if you’re sedentary. Sitting or lying down for a long period of time is bad for your sciatic nerve, and can make the pain worse.
  • Relieve pain with a mild anti-inflammatory. If you’re experiencing sharp pains that don’t go away with light exercise, ibuprofen is often OK for use. Make sure to consult a professional before implementing any pain medications.

How Is Sciatica Treated?

At BioMotion Physical Therapy, we specialize in treating sciatica in Schertz.

We’ll identify the source of the pain and develop a personalized plan of action to get you back on your feet and living pain-free. We understand how painful and debilitating sciatica can be and are committed to providing you with the best treatment so you can once again lead a life free from pain. If you or someone you know is suffering from sciatica, don’t hesitate to contact us today; our knowledgeable staff and state-of-the-art facilities are sure to get you the results you need.

Contact BioMotion PT today and get your sciatica treated as soon as possible.

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