Sciatica

Radiating pain from your lower back into your leg could be a sign of sciatica, a condition resulting from a compressed sciatic nerve. At the Spine & Pain Center of San Antonio in San Antonio and Live Oak, Texas, experienced pain management specialists offer relief from sciatica pain. Call the nearest office to learn more, or schedule an appointment online today.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition that’s often painful. It results when your sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back down your hips and to each of your legs, gets squeezed. It can result because of disc herniation or bony overgrowths that place pressure on the nerve. See a Spine & Pain Center of San Antonio specialist for relief if sciatic discomfort is ongoing.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

The hallmark symptoms of sciatica include:

• Shooting pain along the sciatic nerve pathway
• Radiating pain
• Numbness
• Tingling 
• Leg weakness
• Bowel or bladder changes
• Inflammation

The symptoms may be mild or severe and could worsen over time if left untreated. If home remedies don’t reduce your pain, medical intervention can help.

What are the risk factors for sciatica?

The risk factors associated with sciatica include:

• Herniated discs
• Bone overgrowths (bone spurs)
• Tumors
• Obesity
• Aging
• Diabetes
• Prolonged sitting
• Physically demanding job
• Heavy lifting
• Driving for long time periods

Use proper lifting techniques, get regular exercise, maintain an ideal body weight, and use good posture to reduce the chance of sciatica pain. Avoid sitting down for long periods without taking breaks.

How is sciatica diagnosed?

To detect or rule out sciatica, your Spine & Pain Center of San Antonio specialist asks about your medical history, medications, symptoms, and lifestyle. After checking your vital signs, they complete a physical exam and nerve testing. You might also need a CT scan, an MRI, X-rays, or another imaging procedure. 

How is sciatica treated?

Your sciatica treatment plan may include:

• Cold or heat packs
• Rest
• Stretching exercises 
• Physical therapy
• Medication management
• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic adjustments
• Corticosteroid injections
• Other injections
• Active release techniques
• Biofeedback
• Surgery

Surgical procedures can remove a herniated disc or bone spurs pressing on the sciatic nerve. Your pain specialist tailors each treatment based on what’s best for you. They may suggest more than one solution to provide the most relief from sciatica discomfort. 

Maintain healthy lifestyle habits and avoid activities that increase your risk of disc herniation and pinched nerves. 

Call the Spine & Pain Center of San Antonio office to schedule an evaluation, or book one online today to ease sciatica pain.