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SCIATICA

  • Symptoms of sciatica can range from mild to severe, and may include:

    • Mild ache

    • Sharp, burning sensation

    • Excruciating pain

    • Pain that worsens when coughing or sneezing

    • Numbness

    • Tingling

    • Muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot

    • Pain in one part of the leg and numbness in another part

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    Mild forms of sciatica typically resolve over time. However, patients should seek medical attention if:

    • They have sudden, severe pain in the lower back or leg

    • Numbness or muscle weakness in the leg

    • Pain after a violent injury

    • Difficulty controlling the bowels or bladder

  • Sciatica may occur when the sciatic nerve becomes pinched, either by a herniated disc or a bone spur. Other rare causes of sciatica include a tumor or disease, such as diabetes.

  • Certain individuals may be at increased risk of developing sciatica:

    • Older individuals may experience age-related changes in the spine, such as herniated discs and bone spurs.

    • Obesity places extra stress on the spine and contributes to spinal changes that trigger sciatica.

    • Occupations that require frequent twisting of the back, carrying heavy loads, and driving a motor vehicle for long periods of time may increase the risk of sciatica.

    • Sitting for prolonged periods or having a sedentary lifestyle contributes to sciatica.

    • Diabetes increases the risk of nerve damage, which may lead to sciatica.

  • At Premier Urgent Care, patients experiencing pain from sciatica may benefit from treatment with injections and pain management techniques.
     

    A few types of joint and soft tissue injections offered at the clinic include nerve blocks, sacroiliac joint injections, piriformis injections, epidural injections, and trigger point injections.

    Sciatica patients should speak to their physician to find out if they are a good candidate for joint and soft tissue injections.

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    Pain management techniques can help patients diagnosed with sciatica minimize pain through cold and heat therapy, gentle exercise, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, cognitive behavior therapy, yoga, deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback, music therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Patients will receive a customized pain management plan to treat their symptoms of sciatica.

  • Patients with severe symptoms of sciatica may require advanced treatment that may include chiropractic adjustment, physical therapy, and even surgery. Premier Urgent Care supports patients needing a range of treatments. Staff is available to answer any questions about obtaining advanced treatment.

Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve. This nerve begins at the lower back and travels through the hips and buttocks and down each leg.

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