Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments in Freehold, NJ

Sciatica can disrupt your daily life, causing significant pain and discomfort. This condition involves pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which extends from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. It’s a common condition, and understanding its causes, symptoms, and available treatments is crucial for managing its impact on your life.

At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, we recognize the challenges sciatica presents. Our dedicated team is here to help you understand this condition better and explore the most effective treatment options. Whether you are dealing with mild discomfort or severe pain, we are committed to providing the solutions you need.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is typically caused by a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine, or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) that compresses part of the nerve. This pressure on the nerve can lead to inflammation, pain, and often some numbness in the affected leg. Risk factors for sciatica include age, obesity, prolonged sitting, diabetes, and occupations that involve heavy lifting or prolonged sitting.

Age-related changes in the spine, such as herniated disks and bone spurs, are the most common causes of sciatica. As you age, your spine undergoes wear and tear, which can lead to these conditions. Obesity can also contribute to spinal changes by increasing the stress on your spine, leading to sciatica. Additionally, prolonged sitting can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, exacerbating the symptoms.

Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can increase your risk of sciatica. Diabetes affects the way your body uses blood sugar, increasing your risk of nerve damage. Understanding these causes can help you make lifestyle changes that may prevent or alleviate the symptoms of sciatica.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Sciatica

The primary symptom of sciatica is pain that radiates from your lower spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg. The pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating pain. Sometimes, it can feel like a jolt or electric shock. It can be worse when you cough or sneeze, and prolonged sitting can aggravate the symptoms.

In addition to pain, you may experience numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot. It is common for the pain to affect only one side of your body. Some people also experience a burning or prickling sensation down their leg, and muscle weakness can make it difficult to move or control your leg.

Sciatica symptoms can range from infrequent and irritating to severe and debilitating. If you experience sudden, severe pain in your lower back or leg and numbness or muscle weakness in your leg, seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that requires prompt treatment.

Effective Treatments for Sciatica

Treating sciatica usually starts with self-care and non-surgical options. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain. Physical therapy is another effective treatment that can improve your posture, strengthen the muscles supporting your back, and improve your flexibility. Exercises may include stretching to improve the flexibility of your lower back and strengthening exercises to build muscle endurance.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation around the irritated nerve. These injections can provide significant relief for some patients, though the effects are usually temporary. If conservative treatments do not alleviate your symptoms, surgery may be considered.

Surgical options include microdiscectomy, which involves removing a small portion of the disk or bone spur pressing on the nerve. Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is often preferred as it involves smaller incisions, resulting in less tissue damage and faster recovery times.

How NJ Spine & Orthopedic Can Help You

At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, we are dedicated to providing top-quality care using cutting-edge technology and minimally invasive techniques. Our team of experienced neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic specialists, and physicians work together to create personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. We understand the impact sciatica can have on your life, and we are here to help you find relief.

Whether you are considering non-surgical treatments or minimally invasive surgery, we have the skills and support you need to manage your sciatica effectively. Contact us today at (866) 553-0612 or visit our contact form to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free life.