Are you feeling pain in your back? Like most of our patients
at Sea Spine Orlando Orthopedic you
probably think it’s from sleeping in an awkward position or a common exercise strain.
But in most cases it turns out to be Sciatica.
Sciatica is the pain that runs from the lower back or (lumbar region) down the
back of the leg caused from inflammation of the sciatic nerve. The diagnosis of ‘sciatica' means that the sciatic
nerve is compressed or injured.
Symptoms of sciatica are most commonly seen among 30 -
50-year-olds, symptoms that include muscle weakness, burning, cramping, and numbness.
The pain can become intense and long lasting. Pain increases due to prolonged
seating or if the body has sudden irregular movements. Fortunately sciatica is
treatable.
Orlando Orthopedic
Specialists are an accepted choice for treatment of sciatica, mostly
because they often treat lower back pain and problems related to the spine. An orthopedic surgeon will often use the same procedures
a chiropractor would to evaluate the condition of a patient. But contrary to a
chiropractor, an orthopedic surgeon may use both non-invasive and invasive
measures of treatment.
The
goal of many orthopedic doctors who treat patients suffering from sciatica is
to help them manage the problem without having to resort to surgical options. Initially,
the orthopedic specialist will try all non-invasive measures by recommending
you to a specialist where you can receive massage, heat and ice therapy, and
ultrasound therapy.
Generally, orthopedic doctors will advise a few
days of bed rest, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, and some gentle walking
and stretches. In some cases your doctor may inject the affected areas
of your spine with cortisone to reduce inflammation and to lessen the pain. While
this may provide temporary relief it does not alleviate the problem.
If
sciatic pain continues, the patient may require surgical intervention, so it is
in the best interest of patients to follow the orthopedic surgeons orders and
begin a physical therapy routine to increase their mobility and decrease any
discomfort before undergoing surgery.
Every case
is different and if you find yourself suffering from the following:
- Lower back pain
- Constant pain in only one side of the buttock or leg
- Pain that originates in the low back or buttock and continues along the path of the sciatic nerve - down the back of the thigh and into the lower leg and foot
- Pain that feels better when laying down or are walking, but worsens when standing or sitting
- Pain that is typically described as sharp or searing, rather than dull
- You experience a “pins-and-needles” sensation, numbness or weakness, or a prickling sensation down the leg
Get
immediate medical care if: Self-care measures fail to ease your symptoms, pain
lasts longer than a week, or pain becomes progressively worse.
For
complete diagnosis and treatment of Sciatica, visit us at Sea Spine Orthopedic Institute today at http://www.seaspineortho.com/
or call 866-816-ORTHO. Visit one of our four locations: Hallandale,
Jacksonville, Tampa or Orlando Orthopedics.
We are a team of orthopedists who specialize in treating conditions affecting the
knee, hip, shoulder, arm, wrist and Spine.
