By Joe Ruzich, PT
April 04, 2016
Sciatica
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve which results in pain, numbness, or tingling in the lower back and down the leg. The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back, travels through the buttocks region and continues down the back of the leg. In most cases sciatica can be effectively treated without drugs, injections or surgery.
Pressure on the sciatic nerve is commonly caused by:
• Injury to the low back
• Repetitive stress on low back
• Poor posture
Statistics
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit their doctor.
• According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases, 8 out of 10 people have or have experienced some type of back pain or sciatica.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of sciatica are pain, numbness, and tingling in the buttocks region and leg. Symptoms are commonly felt on one side of the body. The pain can vary from a mild ache to a severe burning sensation and can be felt in the buttocks, back of leg, lower leg or foot.
How to Treat Root Cause
• It is necessary to identify exactly where the problem is coming from by getting a thorough musculoskeletal exam
• Identification and correction of factors leading to excessive and long term stress on muscles and joints.
• Develop a treatment plan to include corrective movements
Self Help Tips
Exercise regularly‐ exercising the core and back muscles regularly is known to lead to less back pain
• Maintaining good posture is a great way to take pressure off the back and sciatic nerve
• Proper lifting techniques – tense the abdominal wall by gently pulling your belly button inward and keep the back straight
• Stand more and sit less – sitting places more stress upon the back, gluteals and sciatic nerve.
• If these tips do not result in pain relief seek treatment now because the longer you wait the longer it can take to gain relief.
Need more help?
If you are suffering from sciatica give Synergy Physical Therapy & Wellness & Wellness a call at (719) 568-9790 to learn what you can do to become pain free and to return to an active and enjoyable lifestyle. No doctor referral required.
