Sciatica is a medical issue affecting an individual’s lower back to the leg and foot. Some medical terms refer to the condition as sciatic neuralgia. It makes it impossible to stand or sit for a long time. When a victim does that, the body becomes weak, numb, and tingly sensations in the leg and foot. The pain is not consistent but occasionally happens throughout a patient’s lifetime, causing excruciating pain and discomfort. The case can become complicated and damage the nerve permanently if you do not visit a doctor.
The pain can start from the back to the leg and foot because it results from compression of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic is the body’s longest nerve running from the lumbar spine to the buttocks and then to the leg, ankle, and foot. The pain could become more severe if the compression reached the vertebrae, causing pinching, aggravating pain, and injury.
How it begins
Sciatic can result from many causes, but disc injuries and bulges are the primary causes of sciatic. The pain is a result of the disc relaxing on the nerve root. Other causes of disc injury are terrible posture, accidents, and repeated injuries. In addition, the pain can result from misalignment of the vertebrae due to pregnancy and trauma. However, there is a probability of having this discomfort before the triggering incident.
Sciatic treatment in West Linn Oregon
Your doctor has many ways of treating the pain.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is a physical examination where the doctor checks your core muscle strength and reflexes. Sometimes, the doctor asks you to walk on your toes or heels or squat and lift your leg one at a time while lying on your back. These activities will increase the intensity of the pain.
Imaging tests
X-rays usually display herniated disks or bone spurs even without symptoms. However, these tests rarely happen only when the pain is severe or has lasted too long.
- X-ray. An X-ray will display an overgrowth of the bone spur pressing the nerve.
- MRI. MRI is powered by a magnet and radio waves to display the image of your back. The image shows details of the bone and soft tissues in the back.
- CT scan. The X-rays can only be clear if a dye is injected into the spinal canal. The process is known as a CT myelogram. The dye movement will be within the spinal cord, and nerves are seen as white on the scan.
- Electromyography (EMG). The test monitors the level of response of the nerves and muscles. It is a way of checking nerve compression resulting from herniated disks or spinal stenosis.
Treatment
The doctor first advises self-care, but if there’s no improvement, the following treatment will occur.
Medications
The following medication is used to work on the pain.
- Anti-inflammatories
- Muscle relaxants
- Narcotics
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Anti-seizure medications
Physical therapy
Once the pain intensifies, the doctor can indulge you in a rehabilitation program to avoid further injuries. This treatment can be an exercise to adjust your posture and increase muscle strength and flexibility.
More on Our Services
Ergonomics, Posture and Chiropractic Health
5 Questions to Ask Your Chiropractor About Neck Pain
How to Choose the Right Chiropractor
5 Things to Consider When Dealing with Neck Injuries
Is a Chiropractor Visit Scary?
How Soon After a Car Accident Should You Visit a Chiropractor?