Sciatica
Sciatica Symptoms & Treatment Options
Sciatica describes the pain and neurological symptoms that are associated with inflammation of the sciatic nerve. Located on either side of your lower body, these major nerves are the largest in the human body. Along with their roots, these nerves extend all the way from the lower spine, through the buttocks region, and down the backside of your legs to your feet. Moreover, your sciatic nerve is composed of five smaller nerves that branch out from the spinal cord. These “tributaries” eventually combine as one, like 5 streams joining to form one large river.
More importantly, your sciatic nerve is responsible for sending nerve impulses from the brain to your hamstring and lower body muscles. This crucial nerve influences movement, reflexes, and sensation. Following the tract of the hamstring, the sciatic nerve branches off into two smaller nerves. One of these nerves affects sensation, movement, and reflexes on the outside of your calf and the top of your foot. The other nerve fulfills the same purposes for your inner calf and ankle.
Why is Sciatica so Common?
Needless to say, the sciatic nerve covers a lot of ground in your body. It supplies a great deal of the movement and sensation to your legs. With such a large span and surface area, it leaves many opportunities for this nerve to become pinched or injured. Furthermore, any disruption to the sciatic roots or the main nerve itself can result in symptoms ranging from minor localized pain to debilitating, radiating pain or numbness. This incapacitating pain can significantly affect daily life and exclude one from participating in their regular activities such as work, hobbies, or even walking the dog.
Fortunately, sciatica, also known as sciatic nerve pain, is often easily diagnosed and can typically be treated with a variety of minimally invasive options. The first step to relief lies in identifying whether the sciatic nerve is the root of your problem. The Advanced Spine Center is here to guide you through that process.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Our legs and feet are our foundation. When these get disrupted, our whole world can be thrown off balance. The sciatic nerve plays a huge role in this foundation. When our sciatic nerve becomes irritated or pinched, it can lead to excruciating pain and disruptions in one’s daily life. So, what signs can you look for to know if your sciatic nerve is causing your lower back problems?
Here at Advanced Spine, our board-certified physicians have years of experience in the field of spine care. Doctors Gatto, Lowenstein, and Naseef have all been recognized as Top Doctors by New Jersey Monthly Magazine. In fact, each surgeon specializes in the conservative treatment of conditions that can lead to sciatic pinching or radiculopathy. Alongside you, they will work to find the source of your discomfort and chart a treatment plan that will address your personal needs and therapy interests.
Causes of Sciatica
The Harvard Medical School reports that nearly 40% of individuals will experience some degree of sciatic pain in their lifetime. And, the occurrence of such cases only increases with age. This is often attributed to the size of the sciatic nerve system and the location of the nerves that compose this system. Many of the nerves in the sciatic system lie between vertebrae and other structures such as ligaments and muscles. Because of this proximity to other structures, one of the main sources of sciatic pain is a pinching of the sciatic nerve or any of its roots. This pinching can be caused by a variety of factors, including: injury, bulging or herniated discs, lumbar spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease or arthritis, spondylolisthesis, spinal tumors, pregnancy, obesity, or lack of exercise and movement. In fact, even the type of mattress you sleep on can irritate the sciatic nerve.
Not sure what some of these terms or conditions mean? An index of spine conditions that we treat can be found on our website under the “Conditions” heading. Or, you can contact us today to have any of your questions answered. The good news is that for most, you can manage, treat, or improve your sciatica with nonsurgical interventions.