Myths and Facts About Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in your body. It starts at your lower back, through your buttocks. Then it goes down to each of your legs and ends below your knees. Sciatica arises when this nerve is irritated or injured. Herniated or slipped disk is the most common cause of sciatica. Sciatica Hamilton is not a condition but a symptom of sciatic nerve issues.

Pain in any section of your sciatic nerve, leg numbness, and tingling sensation in your feet and toes are common symptoms of sciatica. Sciatica pain can be severe, but most patients recover after treatment within a few weeks. People associate sciatica with various myths and misconceptions, including:

Exercise worsens sciatica

You may find it challenging to engage in physical activities while experiencing sciatica pain. Unfortunately, inactivity for a prolonged period can weaken your back muscles, increasing your pain. Exercise helps increase your range of motion and strengthens your muscles. Some vigorous activities can increase your pain, so ensure you consult your doctor on the best practice for your condition.

Sciatica heals on its own after rest

Most people think sciatica pain goes away independently after rest. Rest can help relieve pain, but you may need to combine it with other treatment options for efficient recovery. Medications like muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatories and physical therapy are the commonly used treatments for sciatica. Your doctor can recommend surgery if your symptoms do not improve after using other treatment techniques.

Sciatica cannot damage your nerves permanently

Although permanent nerve damage rarely happens in sciatica, it may occur in some patients. If you experience loss in leg sensation or incontinence of your bowel or bladder, you are at a high risk of having permanent nerve damage. Also, ensure you seek early treatment to prevent severe complications.

Sciatica pain never goes away

People think sciatica pain can never go away because it can cause severe pain and discomfort in some patients. Sciatica is treatable, so you do not have to live with it in your lifetime. There are many treatments for sciatica, including medications, physical therapies, and steroid injections. Your doctor can recommend surgical procedures for long-term pain improvement.

The cause of sciatica is unknown

Many factors can lead to sciatica. Sciatica happens when your sciatic nerve is pinched or compressed. The compression can be caused by a bulging or herniated disk between the vertebrae in your lower spine. Bone spurs or bony growths on your spine or narrowing of your spinal canal can also cause sciatica. In rare cases, sciatica can result from a spinal tumor that can compress the nerve.

If you experience leg pain, it is definitely sciatica

Leg pain is not always a symptom of sciatica. Vein conditions, muscle strains, joint problems, and nerve-related issues can lead to leg pain. The fact is, sciatica causes pain in your legs. In most cases, this ache runs from your mid-buttock down the back of your leg. It can also go past your knee down through the calf.

Despite the many myths and misconceptions about sciatica, your doctor can treat your condition. Schedule an appointment at Interventional Pain Management Associates for sciatica treatment to relieve your pain.