The familiar, radiating pain of sciatica will affect nearly 40% of individuals in the United States at some point in their lives. While many cases of sciatica can resolve on their own, some cases require medical intervention for treatment. At Better Health Solutions in Scottsdale, Arizona, the team has extensive experience in identifying and treating the most common causes of this debilitating pain. If you think you’re suffering from sciatica and want help, call Better Health Solutions at (480) 945-6900 to schedule your consultation or book online.
Sciatica refers to a type of back pain that radiates from your lower back all the way down to your lower legs. This occurs when you receive an injury or condition that places pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Within your spine, running from near the tailbone along each leg is a nerve called the sciatic nerve. These two nerves connect to a central nerve called the sciatic nerve root.
When something pinches or squeezes this nerve, the result is a radiating pain that travels from the nerve root all the way down your leg. In most cases, sciatica affects only one side, though in rare cases you might experience pain on both sides of your body.
Since sciatica stems from changes in the spine that pinch the sciatic nerve, some of the most common risk factors for sciatica include:
Your spine naturally changes as you age, leading to a greater chance of suffering from bone spurs, herniated discs, or other conditions that can press on the sciatic nerve.
In some cases, obesity can increase the amount of pressure placed on your spine, increasing your risk for sciatica.
The nerve damage associated with diabetes can affect your sciatic nerve.
Some jobs naturally place greater stress on the spine, such as jobs that require sitting for long periods or jobs that require frequent heavy lifting. These activities can increase your risk of developing spinal problems that lead to sciatica.
Despite the debilitating pain it causes, Better Health Solutions can often treat sciatica through minimally invasive options. Several treatments on a traction table can help straighten out misaligned bones and muscles and can relieve pressure on your sciatic nerve. Traction treatment can take a few weeks for best results.
After your initial pain has disappeared, your provider might recommend physical therapy or regular exercise to strengthen the muscles in your back and increase your flexibility, helping prevent a recurrence in the future.
If you suffer from chronic sciatica and want help, let the providers at Better Health Solutions in Scottsdale, Arizona, lend their expertise. Call to schedule your consultation or book online.
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