Sciatica refers to pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, which is the longest and widest nerve in your body. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back, through your buttocks, and down the legs ending just below the knee. A slipped disc is the leading cause of this problem. The main symptom of sciatica is a shooting pain anywhere along your sciatic nerve. This problem can come and go by itself, but if it is causing chronic pain, you should visit your doctor, William L Yancey MD. People speak about various myths and misconceptions of sciatica, and here are some.
Sciatica results from leg problems.
Sciatica can lead to leg pain, which makes some people believe leg issues cause it. Fact is, leg problems rarely cause sciatica. A herniated disc mainly causes sciatica. Conditions such as spinal tumors, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and injuries to the sciatic nerve can lead to sciatica.
Sciatica pain will never go away.
Sciatica can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, but you do not have to live with it your entire life. Your doctor can use various treatment options to treat and relieve sciatica symptoms, such as medications, cortisone injections, and surgery in severe instances.
Sciatica cannot cause permanent nerve damage.
Although rare, sciatica can lead to permanent nerve damage. You can experience loss in leg sensation and bowel or bladder incontinence if your sciatic nerve is permanently impaired. To avoid severe cases of sciatica, ensure you seek immediate medical attention when you develop any discomfort or pain along your sciatic nerve.
Exercises will make your sciatica worse.
It may be challenging to engage in exercises when experiencing sciatica, but they help relieve pain. Being inactivity for an extended period can cause back muscle weakness, increasing your sciatica. Regular workouts will reduce pain and strengthen your back muscles. They also help improve mental ability.
Sciatica will go away after a rest.
Some people believe you do not need to do much to relieve sciatica. If you experience pain in your back, buttock, and legs, you need to visit your doctor for treatment. Although rest can help relieve pain, you need other treatments like muscle relaxant medications, anti-inflammatories, steroid injections, and physical therapies. Your doctor can do surgery in severe cases.
The cause of sciatica is unknown.
Sciatica develops when the sciatica nerve is pinched or compressed, and this results from a bulging or herniated disc occurring between your vertebrae in your lower spine. A bone spur or bony growth on your spine and spinal stenosis can also cause sciatica. A spinal tumor can compress your nerve in rare instances, leading to sciatic pain.
You cannot prevent sciatica.
Although you cannot prevent some causes of sciatica, you can avoid others in several ways. Engaging in exercises and appropriately doing daily activities can help prevent sciatic pain. Practicing good posture, managing weight, avoiding sitting for extended periods, and good spinal alignment can also prevent sciatica.
Do not let the myths and misconceptions of sciatica prevent you from seeking medical attention. Schedule an appointment at Houston or The Woodlands, Texas, for sciatica treatment through non-surgical techniques to relieve your pain.