Sciatica
Sciatica is a term used to describe the pain that originates in the lower back, through the hips, and buttocks and travels down the leg to the feet and toes.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a term used to describe the pain that originates in the lower back, through the hips, and buttocks and travels down the leg to the feet and toes. The pain is caused by irritation, inflammation, pinching or compression of the stratica nerve.
The sciatic nerve is a long, thick nerve that delivers impulses to the legs and feet. Each leg has its own sciatic nerve that runs from the lower back down the leg. Pain and symptoms can vary in severity. Sciatica can cause muscle weakness in the leg and foot, numbness in the leg, and an unpleasant tingling pins-and-needles sensation in the leg, foot and toes. Symptoms can occur sporadically being triggered by involuntary movements like coughing.
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What To Expect During Your Doctor’s Visit
Our team is here to help make sure that your visit goes smoothly. Be prepared and expect the following.
Paperwork
You will fill out paperwork for the administration.
Nurse Check-up
Once they call your name, a nurse will do a brief check up.
Meet the Doctor
You’ll have a chance to discuss your condition with Doctor Batlle.
Next Steps
Once the doctor runs the assessment, you’ll receive treatment recommendations.
F.A.Q.s
Frequently asked questions about sciatica.
Which medical conditions can cause sciatica?
Sciatica can be caused by several different medical conditions including:
A herniated or slipped disk
Degenerative disk disease
Spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Osteoarthritis
Trauma injury to the lumbar spine or sciatic nerve
Tumors in the lumbar spinal canal that compress the sciatic nerve.
Piriformis syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome
What are other contributing factors to sciatica?
Other contributing factors can be:
Severe injuries and/or falls
Obesity
Poor physical condition (lack of strong core muscles)
Poor posture
Body changes during pregnancy.
When should I contact my healthcare professional?
Generally speaking, if a six-week trial of self-implemented steps does not soothe or ease pain then it’s time to visit a healthcare provider for other treatment options.
Get immediate medical attention if you experience:
Severe leg pain that lasts more than a few hours or unbearable pain
Numbness or muscle weakness in the same leg
Control-less bowel or bladder
Sudden and severe pain from a traffic accident or some other trauma
It is best to assess the situation as soon as possible to determine next steps prior to any emergency visits.
What are some treatment options for sciatica?
Treatment aims to decrease pain and increase mobility. The treatment process depends on the specifics of the condition, but starts with self-implemented steps such as applying ice and/or hot packs to the affected area, taking over-the-counter medication to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling, and performing gentle stretches to strengthen muscles.
Every case of sciatic is different from the cause of the pain, to the type of pain, to the severity of the pain. Generally speaking, treatment starts with a six-week trial of self-implemented steps. In some cases, a more vigorous treatment plan is required for patients first, depending on their condition. If self-implemented treatment does not provide relief then it’s time to visit a healthcare provider for other treatment options.
Other treatment options include:
Prescription medication
Physical Therapy
Spinal injections
Alternative therapies
Surgery
Surgical options to relieve sciatica include:
Micro-discectomy, a minimally invasive procedure used to remove fragments of a herniated disk that are pressing on a nerve
Laminectomy, a procedure to relieve pressure on the nerves by removing the lamina, the top of the spinal canal, to give the nerves more space
What are some ways I can prevent getting sciatica?
While not all sources of sciatica are preventable, like degenerative disk disease or sciatica due to pregnancy and accidental falls, there are preventative measures individuals can practice to reduce risk.
Maintaining good posture
Abstaining from smoking
Maintaining a healthy weight
Exercising regularly
Protecting the back in times of physical activities
Being careful to prevent falls
How can I schedule a consultation for sciatica treatment?
Dr. Battle invites you to visit toWellSpine PA for a consultation and second opinion to start your journey toward long-term pain relief. We offer services in Dallas, Ft. Worth, Odessa, and Northeast Texas area. You can book an appointment by visiting https://www.wellspinepa.com/scheduling to choose the best scheduling option that fits your busy schedule. Remember, it is best to assess your situation as soon as possible to determine a treatment plan prior to any emergency visits.
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Email Us
info@wellspinepa.com
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(214) 819-9600
Fort Worth Office
6491 Southwest Blvd.
Benbrook, TX 76132