The Center for Chiropractic & Decompression NYC

Sciatica Overiew

Sciatica NYC; Sciatica tends to be a common problem amongst a large amount of people. It is a term used in the medical profession for numbness, pain, or weakness that occurs in the legs. A common misconception about sciatica is that it is a medical condition, when to the contrary, it is actually caused by a condition that is already existing. It is usually caused by pressure being applied to the sciatic nerve or also damage occurring to the nerve present there.
Some people describe the experience as a tingling feeling that is present in their legs. Others say that it is more like a burning sensation. In individuals who have very severe cases, they may not even be able to move properly. There have been cases of it happening in both legs, however it usually only happens in one. Pain can be felt in the hip or back of the leg. Individuals may also report feeling pain in their feet as well.
Your doctor can figure out if you have sciatica from several different types of tests. This can involve MRIs, blood tests, or x-rays. This can also involve tests that reflect on your range of motion. In example, someone that is suffering from the ailment may have problems bending their feet down or may reflect weak reflexes. There can also be weakness in the bending of the knees.

Treating Sciatica & Sciatic Nerve Pain

When the ailment is treated prior to nerve damage having the chance to worsen, there is a greater chance for the individual to have a full recovery. In other circumstances, a full recovery might not be possible and the individual may lose some of their motion. Pain can become prolonged and more consistent. This is a fairly good example of why it is important to have the ailment treated promptly.

Treatments can depend on what is causing the damage and lack of function to the sciatic nerve. In the best cases, treatment is non surgical and the patient recovers very quickly, but this is dependent on the severity of the problem. In cases where the nerve damage may be caused by something applying pressure to the nerve, surgery is required to ease some of the symptoms. Medications or injections can also be prescribed to help treat the pain and stop some of the inflammation in the nerve area itself.

Other treatments may include options such as manual therapy. This is good for promoting muscle strength and range of motion in the individual. In combination with other types of therapy, it can help the individual to regain their motion and proper function again. The doctor might also suggest different methods for the individual to work in consideration of their condition, or changes at their job if they tend to sit or stand a lot.

Preventing Sciatica From Recurring

Prevention really depends on how severe the damage to the nerve truly is. Something that may work as a preventative measure for one individual may not work as well for another individual because of the differences in severity. Methods for prevention are better discussed with a doctor that can create specific solutions for individuals based on the severity of their own needs.
Truthfully, to have the best results regarding treatment of sciatica, the problem needs to be diagnosed fairly soon. If the individual even suspects that it could be a possibility, they should go to the doctor for an examination and diagnosis. If nerve pain is allowed to continue without examination and treatment, the nerve damage can worsen. Allowed to worsen too long, the condition might not be repairable.

Sciatica NYC