What You Need To Know That Can Help With Your Sciatica

Sciatica, or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, can can cause lower bag pain and leg pain, as well as numbness or muscle weakness in the leg. Symptoms can range from mild and passing to severe. Sciatica can be caused by a number of conditions, and the treatment can vary based on the cause and severity of the condition. Below, we'll explore some basics about sciatica.

Finding a Doctor

When you're choosing a doctor, it's a good idea to look for a physician who specializes in the treatment of pain. Pain is a complex phenomenon, and a wealth of new research has been performed in the past few decades. Doctors now have better techniques than ever for treating pain, and a pain specialist will be most familiar with those concepts.

In addition, you should look for a doctor who is dedicated to using minimally invasive treatments. Procedures like laser spine surgery can help patients get effective relief for stubborn cases of back pain, without the risks and downtime that come with traditional surgery. However, because laser spine surgery is so complex, many doctors have not yet adopted the procedure, so it's important to look for a doctor who has done so.

The Cause Matters

The right course of treatment will depend on the cause of your sciatica. For example, if it is caused by a short, tight piriformis muscle, stretching that muscle regularly will form an integral part of treatment. In contrast, if it is caused by a bulging or herniated disc, treatments will be more focused on the lower back.

Lifestyle Changes Can Help

Regardless of the cause of your sciatica, lifestyle changes will be important for your treatment. Regularly stretching and exercising will help relieve pressure on the nerve, and strengthen the muscles that support the back. Exercise is also important for overall health.

Physical therapy and exercises can help you develop better posture, which can relieve the symptoms of some types of sciatica. Although poor posture cannot cause the condition, and good posture cannot cure it, having good posture puts less weight on the spine, which call alleviate symptoms.

If you are overweight or obese, losing as little as 10% of your body weight can help relieve your symptoms. Excess weight increases the pressure on your joints, which can make the symptoms of spine conditions worse.

To schedule a consultation about treatment for your back pain and related issues, please click below and enter your information or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (646) 374-1799.