PTRC. Is It Back Pain Or Sciatica?

IS IT BACK PAIN OR SCIATICA? Physical Therapy Newsletter

If you’ve experienced back pain, and even leg pain, you might have a deeper issue. Your minor aches and pinched nerves could be symptomatic of sciatica. While “sciatica” may sound serious, it’s entirely curable. What Is Sciatica? Sciatica is pain that radiates alongside the sciatic nerve. This nerve, which branches from your lower back — spanning across your hips, buttocks and legs — can be injured or stressed in several ways. The most common cause of sciatica-related pain is inflammation along the spine, where compressed nerves are aggravated. Whilesciaticapaincanbe intense, it istreatable.A lotofsciaticacases, in fact, can be resolved without operation—and within just a few weeks. Even if you’ve suffered severe sciatica spawned from leg weakness, bladder changes or nerve issues, there’s still hope. What Causes Sciatica? Inmostcases,sciaticaoccurswhenoneoftheback’sdiscsareherniated. Itcanalsohappen ifthespinenarrows—aneffectcalledspinalstenosis. As we age, our backs undergo a lot of stress. This stress takes a toll, causing inflammation in several areas. If this inflammation reaches a certain point, it may compress these nerves — resulting in pain.

What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica? Sciaticabackpain isnormallynoticedasapainradiating fromthe lower back. Often, this pain extends to the buttock, spiraling down the leg and extending to the calf. If you’re suffering from sciatica, you might feel the discomfort anywhere along this nerve pathway. The pain itself can be dull, aching or even sharp. In some cases, the compressednervemay feel like itburns. Inothercases,thecompressed nerve may simply issue a sharp jolt of pain. Some people experiencing sciatica may experience leg numbness, tingling or weakness. If sciatica isn’t treated, it can hinder mobility altogether. If you’re suffering fromback pain or sciatica, call your physical therapist at PTRC to schedule your appointment today!

Sources https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/what-is-sciatica#1 https://www.medicinenet.com/sciatica/article.htm https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/symptoms-causes/syc-20377435

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