Signs, Symptoms And Cures For Sciatica
Sciatica is a condition where the nerve channels surrounding the sciatic nerves become impacted. The sciatic nerves are a symmetric system extending from the ankles, up the back of the legs, through the sacroiliac complex, and originating at the spine. There are many ways sciatic channels can become blocked. These causes range from injuries and the build-up of scar tissue, secondary weight-related problems, poor posture, and sedentary lifestyles, to muscle development in the hamstrings, glutes and lower back. Some people have little pain from a high degree of nerve blockage, while others have intense pain from a relatively small amount of nerve blockage. However, any degree of pain can affect a person’s work, personal life, and ability to move effectively.
This condition is most prevalent in adults between 30 and 50 years of age. It is not uncommon however, for the very young and old to experience the condition because of a number of factors. This is a chronic condition that usually starts as mild irritation and eventually evolves into a nearly debilitating condition. Certain movements, either voluntary or involuntary, can set-off sciatic pain. Most people first notice the beginning of pain after long periods of sitting, standing and bending, coughing and sneezing, or after sleeping in a contorted position.
Symptoms generally begin as a pins and needles sensation, itching and prickliness, or numbness in the lower legs and feet. Left to worsen, these abnormal sensations can turn into intense shooting pains in the back of the legs, buttocks, lower back and sometimes the spine and neck. Sudden movements will trigger pain and cause persistent muscle cramping, throbbing, and trouble climbing stairs and getting out of chairs, and performing the simplest full body movements. For some, the pain is intense enough to warrant medical treatment, a declaration of occupational disability, and the need for strong pain medication and movement aides.
Sciatic nerve pain is most often caused by conditions like a herniated disk in the spine, a bone overgrowth, a tumor, or diabetic complications. There are certain human risk factors that can aggravate existing sciatic trouble, or cause its onset. The risk factors include age-related spinal structure changes, obesity, physically demanding occupations, prolonged sitting, and blood sugar diseases that affect nerve damage repair.
Though sciatica can be terrible, there are a growing number of proven treatments available that will either eradicate it, or help with pain management. Most treatments are non-surgical and involve a prescription for supervised physical therapy and massage. Professional supervision will also likely mean a change in diet and exercise patterns, self-motivated stretching and flexibility training, and a battery of tests which prove that it is the only source of pain. Patients often notice incredible relief of symptoms after a few sessions with a specialist, and a “re-education” on the subjects of moving and working properly. Cases caused by definite problems with spinal disks, bone overgrowth, massive scar tissue and tumors require minimally-invasive surgery, post-surgery therapy, and a long period of rehabilitation. There are other therapies in the treatment of this common condition on the immediate medical horizon. Great advances are being made in treatments using laser techniques, holistic and herbal substances, and athletic approaches incorporating yoga and meditation. If you are a sufferer of sciatica, your best course of action is to find the best back specialists Ottawa has to offer, such as those found at the Broadview Spine & Health Centre, who can get you on a therapeutic path to a pain-free life.
This condition is most prevalent in adults between 30 and 50 years of age. It is not uncommon however, for the very young and old to experience the condition because of a number of factors. This is a chronic condition that usually starts as mild irritation and eventually evolves into a nearly debilitating condition. Certain movements, either voluntary or involuntary, can set-off sciatic pain. Most people first notice the beginning of pain after long periods of sitting, standing and bending, coughing and sneezing, or after sleeping in a contorted position.
Symptoms generally begin as a pins and needles sensation, itching and prickliness, or numbness in the lower legs and feet. Left to worsen, these abnormal sensations can turn into intense shooting pains in the back of the legs, buttocks, lower back and sometimes the spine and neck. Sudden movements will trigger pain and cause persistent muscle cramping, throbbing, and trouble climbing stairs and getting out of chairs, and performing the simplest full body movements. For some, the pain is intense enough to warrant medical treatment, a declaration of occupational disability, and the need for strong pain medication and movement aides.
Sciatic nerve pain is most often caused by conditions like a herniated disk in the spine, a bone overgrowth, a tumor, or diabetic complications. There are certain human risk factors that can aggravate existing sciatic trouble, or cause its onset. The risk factors include age-related spinal structure changes, obesity, physically demanding occupations, prolonged sitting, and blood sugar diseases that affect nerve damage repair.
Though sciatica can be terrible, there are a growing number of proven treatments available that will either eradicate it, or help with pain management. Most treatments are non-surgical and involve a prescription for supervised physical therapy and massage. Professional supervision will also likely mean a change in diet and exercise patterns, self-motivated stretching and flexibility training, and a battery of tests which prove that it is the only source of pain. Patients often notice incredible relief of symptoms after a few sessions with a specialist, and a “re-education” on the subjects of moving and working properly. Cases caused by definite problems with spinal disks, bone overgrowth, massive scar tissue and tumors require minimally-invasive surgery, post-surgery therapy, and a long period of rehabilitation. There are other therapies in the treatment of this common condition on the immediate medical horizon. Great advances are being made in treatments using laser techniques, holistic and herbal substances, and athletic approaches incorporating yoga and meditation. If you are a sufferer of sciatica, your best course of action is to find the best back specialists Ottawa has to offer, such as those found at the Broadview Spine & Health Centre, who can get you on a therapeutic path to a pain-free life.
