Are you experiencing
Sciatica Symptoms?
Sciatica symptoms are a common compliant related to nerve leg pain. What is the cause of your leg symptoms? How can you tell if your sciatica is from piriformis syndrome, a bulging disc, or another lower back pain condition? And what can I do to get out of pain?
What is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is a broad nerve that supplies both sensation and muscle control to the leg. It is comprised of the nerve roots from the spinal nerves L4 through S3. True sciatica symptoms are caused by the pinching of this nerve. Most commonly the nerve is pinched by a small muscle called the piriformis, thus also referred to as
Piriformis Syndrome.
Although used as a frequent diagnosis, sciatica is typically a general way of describing nerve related leg pain. Unfortunately, this diagnosis does little more than describe the symptoms as opposed to designating the cause. Sciatica symptoms are more likely to be caused by a
bulging disc
or
spinal stenosis
or in some cases related to
facet joint pain
than it is from the pinching of the nerve itself. In my experience, this diagnosis is more common with family doctors or internists. If seen by an orthopedic surgeon you will receive a more specific diagnosis that relates to the specific cause of the pinched nerve.
Typical Treatment
Because nerve symptoms in the leg can be from a number of different sources, the best treatment will depend on the specific cause of the pain. Thus, the first step in determining an appropriate treatment plan is to get a specific and accurate diagnosis. If you have received this diagnosis, ask for a referral for physical therapy where the physical therapist can help determine the best treatment and exercise program for your specific condition.In the mean time, a good place to start is to begin minimizing inflammation. If you do have pain, inflammation is a component to your pain. Although you may not have any lower back pain, the cause of most leg symptoms stems from the lower back. For this reason, utilizing
ice therapy
to the lower back will be helpful to reduce local inflammation. Apply ice to the lower back 10 minutes at a time frequently throughout the day. In addition, the use of over the counter anti-inflammatory medication can also be helpful to reduce pain and inflammation (consult your doctor regarding medications). It is important to note that in order for the medication to have an anti-inflammatory effect; it must be taken on a regular basis. Periodic use will help to relieve pain but do little to reduce the inflammation. Finally, pay attention to postures, positions, and activities that both aggravate the pain or minimize the pain. Minimize those aggravating activities and positions; and when pain is elevated, assume positions that help to reduce the pain. Continuing the activities or positions that aggravate symptoms will only increase the inflammation and make the symptoms worse. Make sure to communicate this information with your health care professional as this will be helpful in determining the true cause of your symptoms.
Sciatica symptoms are common component to many lower back pain conditions and requires a thorough evaluation to determine the true cause. Seek assistance from a qualified medical professional and implement simple treatments to help you take control of your leg symptoms.
Return to Top
Return from Sciatica Symptoms to Lower Back Pain Home
|
