The two largest sympathetic nerves in the body are the sciatic nerves. Leaving the spinal column in the lumbar region, each sciatic nerve serves one side of the lower body. Lumbar spine issues can aggravate the sciatic nerves, causing symptoms that can impact the lower back, buttocks, legs and even the feet. When the sciatic nerve is pinched at the root or under pressure, the symptoms are referred to as sciatica. Our team at Hanowell Spine Clinic in Covington, GA, offers effective sciatica treatment, uncovering the source of sciatica pain.
Sciatica symptoms usually affect one side of the body. The type of symptoms experienced depend on what part of the sciatic nerve is pinched or under pressure. Some of the common symptoms of sciatica include:
- Pain radiating from the lower back, through the buttocks and leg
- Burning sensation through the hip and leg
- Numbness in hip, leg or foot
- Weakness in hip, leg or foot
Sciatica symptoms can come and go. They may occur when sitting, standing or lying in the same position for long periods of time.
Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica is a type of lumbar radiculopathy, or pinched nerve. It is not a disease or condition, but a set of symptoms related to pressure put on the sciatic nerve. There are several different spine or health conditions that can contribute to sciatica, including:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Obesity, tumors or other growths, like bone spurs, that can put pressure on the sciatic nerve
Sciatica treatment depends on the source of sciatic nerve pressure. In many cases, steroid injections can help relieve inflammation and pressure. Spinal cord stimulation also may help manage chronic sciatica pain. Physiotherapy and other conservative treatments also could be recommended to relieve pressure on the lower spine and sciatic nerve.
If you suffer from sciatica and need pain relief, come see us at Hanowell Spine Clinic in Covington, GA. We can find the right sciatica treatment to give you relief. Call our clinic to schedule an exam and consultation.