Sciatica is a common condition that causes lower back and leg pain. The sciatic nerve is your body’s longest nerve, running from your lower back to your feet. When this nerve is compressed or irritated, it can cause leg pain, numbness, and weakness. Dayton sciatica is a relatively common condition, and different things can cause it.

These are the symptoms to look for:

  • Pain in your lower back or buttocks: This is the most common symptom of sciatica. The pain can be sharp, dull, or burning. It may be worse when you sit down or stand up.
  • Pain in your legs: Your legs may feel weak, numb, or tingly. The pain may be worse when walking or standing.
  • A shooting pain that goes down your leg is the most common symptom of sciatica. The pain may worsen when you cough or sneeze.
  • Weakness in your legs: This can make it difficult to stand up or walk.
  • Some of the common causes include:
  • Herniated disc: It can occur when the disc’s jelly-like center bulges out through a tear in the disc’s outer layer; it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause pain.
  • Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces in your spine narrow, which can put pressure on the sciatic nerve.
  • Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle, which is located in your buttocks, irritates the sciatic nerve.

There are various treatment options for sciatica. Some of the most common include:

Physical therapy

Did you know that physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for sciatica? Physical therapy can help to stretch and strengthen the muscles in your back and legs, which can help to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. The procedure entails going to a physical therapist, and you will be expected to do different exercises and stretches.

Chiropractic care

Chiropractic care is another effective treatment option for sciatica. Chiropractors use various techniques to help relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, including spinal manipulation. Spinal manipulation is a technique that involves using your hands to apply pressure to the spine to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Surgery

The type of surgery will depend on the cause of your sciatica. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat sciatica. Surgery is usually only recommended if other treatment options have failed. Some of the types of surgery include:

  • Discectomy: This surgery involves removing the herniated disc that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve.
  • Laminectomy: This surgery involves removing a small portion of the bone pressing on the sciatic nerve.
  • Spinal fusion: This surgery involves joining two or more bones together to stabilize the spine and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica can be a painful condition, but several treatment options are available that can help relieve the pain. If you are experiencing pain in your lower back or legs, it is important to visit Vertrae® and see your doctor so that the specialist can properly diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend the best treatment option for you.