Everyone experiences a certain back pain degree at some point. The pain can subside with measures like rest or activity, such as posture improvements or over-the-counter medication. Back pain could also linger and worsen, such as with movements. If your back pain lasts beyond a week, seeking medical attention is recommended. This is to facilitate proper diagnosis, establish if you are dealing with concerns like sciatica Fort Worth and implement effective interventions and treatments.
Sciatica is among the common causes of back pain. Sciatica is not a diagnosis but rather an umbrella term for a range of concerns that results in pain radiating from the lower back and shooting down to the leg. This results from an irritated sciatic nerve, which is often caused by a herniated or slipped disc. The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back and down to the ankles. The nerve facilitates communication between the brain, blood vessels, and muscles in your legs.
Common sciatica symptoms
- Moderate to severe pain affecting the lower back and buttock and radiating down to one leg
- Weakness and numbness in the lower back, buttock, leg, and feet
- Tingling or pins and needles sensation in the legs, feet, and toes
- Pain that worsens with movement, which can escalate to loss of mobility
- Bladder and bowel control problems due to the impacted cauda equine
Sciatica predisposing factors
Sciatica risk increases with age since your immune system and flexibility take a blow, not to mention the cumulative wear and tear increasing chances of slipped or herniated disk. Concerns like your occupation, overall health, habits, and weight, also impact the risk. The main predisposing factors include:
- Core or gluteus muscles weakness
- Poor posture and technique
- Frequent and prolonged sitting
- Hip flexors, lower back muscles, and hamstring tightness
Sciatica diagnosis
Your healthcare provider considers your health history, asks about the symptoms, and conducts a physical exam. After the physical exam, the doctor may run further tests such as:
- MRI: Provides a detailed view of the soft tissues and bone to establish if there is pressure on a nerve and its cause.
- X-Ray: Spinal X-rays establish if there is a spinal fracture, infection, bone spurs, tumors, or disk problems.
- Electromyography: The test shows how electrical impulses travel through the sciatic nerve to the muscles and their response.
- Myelogram: The test determines whether the pain is caused by a disk or vertebrae
Self-care and treatment
Sciatica can be managed at home by employing measures such as:
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Ice and hot packs
- Gentle stretches
Medical attention is advised if the pain doesn’t subside within a week. The doctor can use prescription medication, physical therapy, spinal injections, or alternative therapies like acupuncture and spinal manipulation. In severe cases, you may need surgery.
Sciatica shouldn’t be discounted. If left untreated, it can escalate, resulting in permanent nerve damage. Other notable complications include loss of motor sensation and control and bowel and bladder incontinence. The psychological impact, especially with the deteriorating quality of life, also impacts your well-being.
Don’t let that back pain slide. Prompt diagnosis, intervention, and treatment can help deal with the pin and avoid escalation necessitating invasive treatments. Visit Neuropathy and Pain Centers of Texas today for more on sciatica and available treatment options.
