Sciatica

Sciatica refers to symptoms of severe leg pain, and sometimes numbness, tingling, and weakness. This type of pain originates in the lower back and travels through the buttocks down the large sciatic nerve, located in the back of each leg. This is a very common type of pain that can have a serious impact on your everyday life and well-being. While anyone can experience sciatica pain, those who are pregnant, suffer from muscle spasms, and wear high heels are more susceptible to it.

It is important to note that sciatica is not a medical condition on its own, but rather a symptom of another condition. People with low back problems – such as a lumbar herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and SI joint dysfunction – are also at a higher risk of experiencing sciatica pain.

In many cases, the pain associated with sciatica can be quite severe, to say the least. A large majority of individuals who have sciatica pain have missed work and had their quality of life impacted. However, sciatica pain can usually be resolved on its own or with non-operative treatments in a matter of weeks. If you have experienced a pain that radiates from the low back to your buttocks and down the back of your leg, you’ve likely had sciatica pain before. This pain can range from a mild ache to a burning sensation or debilitating pain. Many people notice the symptoms are worse when they cough or sneeze or stand or sit for a prolonged period of time. Here is a look at the most common symptoms associated with sciatica pain:

• Pain or discomfort in the low back
• Pain in the hip
• Pain in either legs or the buttocks
• Pain that is aggravated by sitting
• Burning sensation
• One side of the buttocks in constant pain
• Severe pain that makes it very uncomfortable to stand
• Pain on the lower side of the body
• Bladder or bowel dysfunction

Sciatica pain may happen as a result of the following:

• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Pregnancy
• Muscle spasms, specifically in the back
• Sleeping on an unsupportive mattress
• Degenerative disc disease

There are also a series of risk factors for sciatica pain, including:

• Age-related changes in the spine (including herniated discs or bone spurs)
• Obesity
• Prolonged sitting
• Diabetes

Sciatica pain can have a major impact on your everyday life and happiness. At Texas Partners Healthcare Group, we understand this and will do everything we can to provide you with relief. Our pain management specialists are happy to discuss what treatment options we offer for sciatica pain with you today. To learn more or if you have any questions, please contact one of our locations in Allen, Anna, Dallas, Frisco, or McKinney.