Sciatica an irritation of the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica is an irritation of the sciatic nerve causing pain. Sciatica often caused by a compressed nerve root in the lumbar (lower) spine. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body. It runs down the lower back, through the buttocks, and down the legs.

Sciatica is not a condition, but rather a symptom of another problem involving the sciatic nerve. Approximately 40% of the population experiences Sciatic pain at some point in their lives.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Symptoms of Sciatica include weakness in the one knee that runs throughout the entire leg. Sciatica is caused by a pinched nerve—The pinched nerve starts to malfunction function causing pain weakness, and tingling sensations to set in. Pain and weakness in a single leg is a huge indication to a pain specialist that the patient may be experiencing Sciatic nerve pain.

Sciatica causes lumbar pain, buttock pain, hip pain, and leg pain. Sciatica is sometimes, but not all the time associated with lower back pain (lumbago). Patients who have experienced Sciatica have complained of difficulty walking and bending down.

Sciatica Treatment

Pain management specialist are no strangers to diagnosing and treating sciatica. The non surgical approach of doctors like Dr. Matthew Kalter in Smithtown, New York have proven to be effective among his patients who suffer from Sciatic nerve pain. Some treatments include Epidural Steroid Injections, Lumbar or Cervical Facet Injections/Medial Branch Nerve Blocks, Intraarticular Hip Injection, Sacroiliac Joint Injections, Radiofrequency Ablation (RF), ntercostal Nerve Blocks, Trigger Point Injections, Botox Injections, Sympathetic Blocks, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), and medical marijuana proven to be effective for chronic pain.

Sciatica is not a life sentence …

Sciatica is but a result of a condition. A disc herniation, back injury, and degenerative lumbar spine all can be the reason for sciatica. These conditions are known to ignite chronic sciatica. Degeneration of the lumbar spine and discs are also known to cause chronic sciatica.

Dr. Kalter one of Long Island’s to spine injury doctors suggests that simple lifestyle changes can reduce the odds of developing Sciatica.  Exercise, proper posture, standing and sitting upright, caution when lifting object in the workplace, and getting good rest from a spine supportive mattress and pillow.