Our facility and practice sees a significant percentage of patients who are suffering from Sciatica. The information below is also found on our company website at SouthCoastSpine.com It will answer some of the basic introductory questions that most people have about Sciatica.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is simply defined as inflammation and irritation of the Sciatic nerve. It's most commonly recognized as that sharp, dull or burning pain radiating down into one or both legs. It can start in the lower back or in the buttock, and the degree of radiation (into various parts of the leg or feet) is dependant upon the source and severity of nerve compression. It is often associated with numbness and tingling or burning along it's path into the leg, and can travel all the way into the foot. Walking, leaning to either side, bending forward, crouching down or stretching of the leg upward will usually increase the painful symptoms of Sciatica.
Sciatica is simply defined as inflammation and irritation of the Sciatic nerve. It's most commonly recognized as that sharp, dull or burning pain radiating down into one or both legs. It can start in the lower back or in the buttock, and the degree of radiation (into various parts of the leg or feet) is dependant upon the source and severity of nerve compression. It is often associated with numbness and tingling or burning along it's path into the leg, and can travel all the way into the foot. Walking, leaning to either side, bending forward, crouching down or stretching of the leg upward will usually increase the painful symptoms of Sciatica.
Causes of Sciatica:
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Sciatica is usually caused by irritation or injury to the nerves that form the sciatic nerve at their origin in the spine. Damaged spinal discs (degenerated, herniated, or bulging discs) or spinal facet joints (from traumatic injury, repetitive stress, or degenerative arthritis) can create direct pressure on the spinal nerves that form the Sciatic nerve, resulting in Sciatica. Direct pressure on the Sciatic nerve itself from deep muscular spasm (piriformis or paraspinal) can also cause Sciatica. Proper medical history, examination procedures, and diagnostic testing are all essential to determine the correct cause of Sciatica, which then leads to the correct treatment. |
Your Next Step:
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you'll need to schedule an exam with your doctor (or with our offices) as soon as possible. If you've already received an MRI exam and have been told that you have a disc problem that requires epidural steroid injections or surgery, STOP . . . before you agree to a more invasive procedure, contact our offices at the South Coast Spine Center in San Diego first for a complimentary evaluation and MRI review. One of our San Diego Sciatica and Spine Specialists will review your information, confirm or correct your diagnosis, and outline the best treatment options available to you.
Hopefully, you can avoid surgery and/or needle injections, and find relief with one of our highly effective nonsurgical treatment methods. The only way to find out is to call us at: 619-472-2225 to get the information you need to make the best decision for your health and welfare.
To receive a FREE online consultation with one of our San Diego Sciatica and Spine specialists, click here.
Yours in excellent health . . . without Sciatica Leg Pain!
Dr. Bruce Bell, D.C., QME, CCSP®
Doctor of Chiropractic, Qualified Medical Evaluator, Board Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician/Practitioner®, American Academy of Spine Physicians
619-472-2225
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