How Sciatica Can Affect Your Lower Back
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Living with lower back pain can make everyday activities difficult and uncomfortable. For many people, this pain is caused by sciatica, which happens when the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed. At Ospina Medical in New York City, NY, we proudly offer advanced treatments, like epidural or steroid injections, as well as spinal cord stimulation, to help relieve unwanted symptoms and improve your quality of life.
So, what causes sciatica, and how does it cause shooting pain down the legs or hips? Call now to book a consultation with Dr. Matthew Kohler. Our team can help you better understand this condition and find the best treatment option.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica refers to the symptoms that happen when the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed. This nerve is the longest in the body and runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks, as well as down each leg. Unfortunately, a compressed nerve can lead to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling sensations in these areas. The pain ranges from mild discomfort to severe shooting pain that cannot be ignored.
What causes sciatica?
You may be wondering what causes sciatica in the first place. While there are several possible causes, the most common is a herniated disc. This occurs when the soft tissue between the vertebrae pushes out and compresses the nerve. Other causes include spinal stenosis, where the spinal canal narrows and puts too much pressure on the nerve.
In rare cases, tumors or trauma to the spine can lead to sciatica. However, most cases are due to natural wear and tear on the body as we age. Obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor posture can also contribute to developing sciatica.
How does sciatica affect the lower back?
Sciatica affects the lower back in many ways. The most obvious is through pain and discomfort. This can make it impossible to stand, sit, or even lie down comfortably. You may also experience stiffness or tightness in the lower back as a result of nerve irritation.
Additionally, sciatica can cause weakness or numbness in the muscles and tissues surrounding the area. You may experience difficulty performing tasks that require strength, such as lifting heavy objects or even standing for extended periods.
Moreover, sciatica can impact your posture and overall spinal health. When experiencing pain, it's common for people to compensate by changing their posture and putting more strain on other muscles, leading to further pain and issues in the future.
How is lower back pain treated?
At Ospina Medical in New York City, NY, we offer several cutting-edge treatments for sciatica and lower back pain. In many cases, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication can help alleviate symptoms. However, if these methods do not provide relief, more advanced options may be recommended.
Epidural and steroid injections involve injecting medication directly into the area surrounding the affected nerve. Spinal cord stimulation is minimally invasive and uses electrical currents to interrupt the signals of pain being sent to the brain. During a consultation, Dr. Kohler will evaluate your condition and suggest the ideal way to move forward.
Address shooting pain and more with our help
Don't let sciatica or lower back pain derail your life. After receiving treatment at Ospina Medical in New York City, NY, patients often report feeling significant improvement in their symptoms. Now, you can learn about epidural and steroid injections, as well as spinal cord stimulation, with Dr. Matthew Kohler. Contact us and take the first step toward a virtually pain-free future.