Have you ever felt burning in your legs?

Or have you felt a pinch in your buttocks or lower back for no apparent reason?

Have you had trouble sitting for long periods of time?

If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of Sciatica.

What is Sciatica?

Most people that hear the term “sciatica” have no idea what it means. Sciatica (pronounced “sigh-at-eh-kah) is a term used for symptoms of nerve pain that carries to the lower back or legs.

The sciatic nerve is the largest single nerve in the human body and is made up of other individual nerves that branch out from the spine to the lower back. These smaller nerves make up the “sciatic nerve.”

It is not uncommon for lower back problems such as a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis or spinal stenosis to contribute to sciatica.

Symptoms of Sciatica

People that suffer from sciatica experience:

• Tingling
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Constant pain
• Extreme pain when sitting
• Burning
• Sharp pains while walking

And the majority of these symptoms are felt within the buttocks and carried down into the legs.

Common Causes of Sciatica

Pain and symptoms of sciatica occur when the large sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated. The most common causes of sciatica are:

• Herniated discs
• Pinched nerves
• Degenerative discs due to use, improper posture and aging
• Stress fractures in the spine
• Muscle strains or spasms
• Spinal tumors
• Infection
• Bone spurs
• Inflammation
• Pregnancy
• Being overweight
• Untreated back pains

Treatment for Sciatica

The goal of any sciatica treatment is to relieve pain and avoid surgery. And fortunately, there are many great non-surgical treatments that can help relieve the nerve pains. Some of the most common treatments for sciatica include:

• Chiropractic/Manual manipulation – spinal adjustments performed by a professional chiropractor can help reduce the stress on the nerves and open up the spine and muscles for proper movement.
• Heat/Ice – usually applied for 20 mins and alternated.
• Pain medications – some over the counter prescriptions can help to reduce pain and relax the muscles.
• Pressure Wave Therapy – sending high-frequency shockwaves through the body can help increase blood circulation, and thus, help the cells to regenerate, heal, and reduce pain and stress in the nerves.
• Acupuncture – hair-thin needles are inserted into the surface of the skin near the area of pain.
• Massage therapy – massages can help to increase blood circulation, relax muscles, and release endorphins (natural pain relievers) into the body.
• Epidural steroid injections – if the pain is very extreme, steroid injections can be inserted directly in the painful area around the sciatic nerve.

For Sciatic Pain Relief in Tulsa

If you have experienced any of the symptoms listed above, you should seek the care of a pain management specialist or chiropractor that can help to manipulate the body and help to heal the nerve pains.

Dr. Curtis Smith is a trained professional and has treated patients with sciatic nerve pains in Tulsa for over 30 years. He uses natural methods of pain relief and many of the treatments listed above.

To schedule an appointment, call the office at 918-836-1900.