Sciatica — Symptoms, Causes and Treatment in San Mateo

A sudden backache that seems to have come out of nowhere could mean that you are suffering from a condition known as sciatica. Learn more about this problem, such as symptoms and causes, and discover what type of treatment options may be available for those living in the San Mateo area.

Sciatica Is a Very Specific Type of Back Pain

Sciatica is a very specific type of back pain. It starts in the lower back. Over time, the pain will start to feel as if it is traveling in a downwards motion. When this happens, the pain can occur anywhere from the lower back to the hips, buttocks and legs.

Compression of the Sciatic Nerve Is the Cause of Your Back Pain

The sciatic nerve is what causes the pain you experience. The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that starts in the lower back area and branches all the way down the backs of your legs.

If the sciatic nerve should become compressed, it will cause the nerve to create a sharp, sudden pain that can travel all the way down the path of the nerve. Compression of the sciatic nerve can be caused by a herniated disc, the development of a bone spur or a narrowing of the spinal cord caused by injury or degenerative disc disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Sciatica

Sudden and intense lower back pain is the most common symptom of sciatica. However, there are other symptoms that are associated with sciatica. Other symptoms of sciatica include:

• Radiating pain that seems to travel or move throughout the lower back and run down the backs of the legs.
• Tingling sensation in the buttocks, hips or legs.
• Numbness.
• Weakness of the legs.
• Sudden pain that seems to get worse with sitting or when you cough or sneeze.

Sciatica pain typically occurs on only one side of the body. For example, you may feel it in your lower back, but the pain will only travel down the left leg.

Various Treatment Options Available for Sciatica

Even though sciatica is extremely painful, it often responds well to non-surgical treatment. Some types of non-surgical treatment options that have helped individuals who suffer from sciatica include:

• Use of a decompression table.
• Deep tissue laser.
• Ice/hot therapy.
• Electric muscle stimulation.
• Nutritional supplements and eating a proper diet.
• Exercises that focus on strengthening, stretching and improving flexibility.

Extremely severe cases of sciatica may require surgery if non-surgical treatment does not ease the pain. Most healthcare professionals will recommend trying non-surgical treatment for sciatica before opting for surgery.

Suffering from sciatica pain? Bay Area Disc Centers, located in the Campbell and San Mateo areas, can help you find relief in just eight weeks. We have created a specialized non-surgical treatment plan for sciatica pain that helps reduce pain and inflammation in approximately eight weeks. Call us to schedule a consultation and see how we can help you find relief from your sciatica pain.