How Does Sciatica Develop?
At Flowers Physical Therapy, our team understands the various conditions that can lead to radiating pain. Sciatica is one of the biggest culprits in this regard. Sciatica develops when nerve roots in your lower back are compressed and irritated, causing pain and other symptoms to travel down your sciatic nerve. Please continue reading to learn more about sciatica and how it develops.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is not actually a condition but a symptom of an issue connected to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body that begins in the lower spine and splits and travels down the sides of your hips, buttocks, and legs. When the nerve roots become irritated in the lower back, symptoms may radiate out along the sciatic nerves, creating symptoms that run down the lower extremities. Some of the hallmarks of sciatica pain can include:
- Shooting pain in your lower back.
- Pain that radiates and travels down one side of your hips, buttocks, and legs.
- Dull pain in the back, hips, and buttocks.
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling along the nerve.
What Causes Sciatica?
A herniated disc most commonly causes sciatica. Intervertebral discs lie between each vertebrae in the spine and act as shock absorbers. The intervertebral discs in the lumbar region are critical because most of the body’s weight is distributed in this area when walking or standing. When one or more discs become damaged and protrude into the spinal canal, a herniated disc occurs. Portions of the herniated disc may compress the spinal nerve, which causes radiating sciatica pain. Some of the other causes of sciatica may include:
- Spinal Stenosis.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Muscle Spasms.
- Spondylolisthesis.
The best way to manage your sciatica is to seek treatment in its early stages. Our team at Flowers Physical Therapy can implement an effective treatment plan to relieve your symptoms.
Contact Us
Dealing with constant pain in your back can be frustrating. While sciatica can be painful and disabling at times, there are plenty of treatment options available to resolve your problem. At Flowers Physical Therapy, our team works closely with patients to help them regain normal function that otherwise would have been lost. To learn more about physical therapy for sciatica, be sure to contact our office today.