Sciatica is an agonizing medical condition. It affects millions of people worldwide, including residents of Washington, PA. Sciatica nerve extending from lower back and moving down towards your hips and both legs struggle with severe pain. The pain is so unbearable that it badly affects your mobility. You find it crushing to perform daily activities.
Seek Medical Advice
The first step is to seek medical advice from a neurologist or an orthopedic surgeon. Fortunately, surgeons from Steel City Spine & Orthopedic Center are the best to approach for Sciatica Washington, PA. You can have access to a range of expert treatment options and care focused in offering relief from the debilitating sciatica pain. The orthopedic surgeons help to diagnose the underlying cause of sciatica accurately. Common causes include –
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis,
- Piriformis syndrome
- Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
- Injury or Trauma
With proper diagnosis, the doctors can tailor a suitable treatment plan addressing your unique needs.
Treatment Options
Conservative Options:
- Rest: Giving the affected area time to heal and avoiding activities that worsen the pain can be beneficial.
- Pain Medication: To manage inflammation and pain, sometime Over-the-counter pain relievers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help.
- Heat and Ice Therapy: Applying heat packs or ice packs to the affected area can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: Specific exercises and stretches can help improve flexibility, strengthen the core, and alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Medical Options:
Based on your sciatica damage severity the doctor will suggest treatment options.
- Muscle Relaxants: These medications can help reduce muscle spasms that may be contributing to sciatica pain.
- Steroid Injections: Corticosteroids are injected into the affected area to reduce your inflammation and offer pain relief.
- Surgical Intervention: If conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be considered in severe cases of sciatica. Herniated disc removal [discectomy] or spinal canal widening [laminectomy] will be recommended to reduce the pressure on your sciatica nerve.
Lifestyle adjustments
- Regular Exercise: A regular exercise routine that emphases on strengthening the core and lower back are helpful but ensure to work with a trained professional. Activities like swimming, yoga, and walking are gentle on the spine and promote flexibility.
- Proper Lifting Techniques: When lifting heavy objects, it is essential to use the legs rather than the back to minimize strain on the spine.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can put additional pressure on the lower back and increase the risk of sciatica. Adjust your diet and maintain healthy weight.
Conclusion
Sciatica is a challenging condition to manage, but seek advice. There are several expert treatment and care options. Work closely with your doctor, choose the most proper treatment method and regain an active lifestyle.
