Have you been suffering from severe back pain but now things are getting worse? Do you ever feel numbness in your legs? Well, numbness on the lower back and legs can be a clear sign of sciatic pain. Though people tend to initially ignore mild to moderate back pain, things can be difficult once time passes. It is always advisable to consult a doctor as soon as you get any back pain symptoms. Though over-the-counter painkillers can be effective for the time being, treatment is a must for permanent relief. Always prefer a physical therapist for sciatica pain relief, San Bernardino, CA.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica pain is associated with nerves due to injury to the sciatic nerve. The pain originates from the lower back region that is the buttock or the gluteal area. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve of the human body. The Sciatic nerve is formed of 5 nerves, out of which belong to the lower back region while the remaining three belong to the sacral region of the spine. All these five nerves come together at a point forming the sciatic nerve. There are two sciatic nerves in the human body, one on each side (left and right). The sciatic nerve runs down from the buttocks, down towards the leg, and terminates at the knees, which then branches into fine nerve endings supplying the feet and toes.
So now you must know where all the pain may be experienced when a person encounters injury to the sciatic nerve. Sciatic pain originates in the lower back region and radiates down towards the lower limb, and terminates at the feet of the toes. And if you are suffering from sciatica, you can experience mild to severe pain along the path of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica pain can also cause weakness of the muscles of the lower leg and the lower back region, numbness, or tingling sensation along the path of the sciatic nerve. In severe cases, people may complain of tingling, or prickly pain felt below the feet and toes. You can always consult a physical therapist for sciatica pain relief, San Bernardino, CA.
Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica is a common symptom that most medical conditions are associated with. The most common condition that is associated with sciatica is a herniated disc which is also called a slipped disc. A herniated disc occurs when the discs present between the vertebrae are pushed out of their anatomic position, which then causes pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Apart from a herniated disc, the other common causes associated with websites are mentioned below:
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Spondylolisthesis- In spondylolisthesis, the disc present between the vertebrae slips forward such that it lies over the vertebra below it.
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Cauda equina syndrome- This is a rare condition that affects the nerves associated with the lower part of the spinal cord. People suffering from cauda equina syndrome need immediate medical attention.
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Lumbar spinal stenosis- the word stenosis here refers to a narrowing of the spinal cord in the lumbar region that is in the lower back region.
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Benign and malignant tumors of the spinal cord- The tumors of the spinal cord, be it benign or malignant, cause compression of the sciatic nerve, thus leading to sciatica pain.
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Infections- bacterial fungal or viral infections are affecting the spinal cord.
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Others- The other causes of sciatica are sudden traumatic injury to the spine or the sciatic nerve itself.
Signs and Symptoms of Sciatica
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A person suffering from sciatica may present with the following signs and symptoms:
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Pain involving the lower back region
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Lower back pain radiating towards the lower limbs, which increases in the sitting position
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Burning, tingling, pins and needles type of pain
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Weakness of the muscles
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Difficulty in walking running climbing stairs
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Constant sharp shooting pain on the rear of the lower limbs
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Pain in the hip region
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In severe cases, the pain may extend down towards the lower limb, feet, and toes as well
How Does Physical Therapy Help with Sciatica
Now the main question arises, how does physical therapy help in relieving sciatica pain. Physical therapy exercises help in relieving sciatica pain. These exercises are considered the first line of treatment for those suffering from sciatica. The exercises provide symptomatic relief and promote healing from the underlying cause of sciatica.
And not just this, it helps in preventing recurrence of such events. Consult physical therapists as they are trained professionals in providing manual therapy and specialized physical therapy programs that work towards rehabilitating lower back pain caused as a result of sciatic nerve compression.
Conclusion
Sciatica is usually unilateral. However, the pain extends from the lower back region down towards, the lower limbs extending to the knees, feet, and toes. Depending on the signs and symptoms presented, the physical therapist designs specialized physical therapy sessions for sciatica pain relief, San Bernardino, CA.
