Sciatica Pain Treatment in Hyderabad
Sciatica is a condition that causes pain in the lower back and legs. It is caused by the inflammation, and irritation of the sciatic nerve in the lower back. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve that starts from the lower back and passes through the hip, buttock, and down the legs. In some cases, sciatica pain can be severe but can be cured with proper treatment.
If you ever experience finger numbness after sciatica or if your pain is severe, you should immediately visit a doctor for an early diagnosis.
Does Sciatica Show Any Signs?
The pain experienced due to sciatica varies from mild to severe and it varies from one person to another. In most cases, sciatica affects only one side of the body. The following are the signs of sciatica:
- Burning or stabbing pain down the leg
- Sharp pain in the lower back
- Pain in one leg that increases when you sit
- Numbness or tingling sensation in the leg or foot
- Muscle weakness in the leg
- Constant pain on one side of the body
In some cases, the pain begins from the lower back and it extends to the thigh and the leg. It can even extend up to the foot and toes.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is generally caused by inflammation, irritation, and pressure on the sciatic nerve. In general, sciatic pain is caused by some underlying conditions such as:
- Herniated disk
- Bone spurs
- Spinal stenosis
- Pelvic injury
- Fracture
- Tumors in the spine
- Spondylolisthesis
- Diabetes can also damage the sciatic nerve
Apart from this, the following factors can increase your chances of developing sciatica:
- An injury to the lower back or spine
- If you are obese, it can increase pressure on your spine
- As you get older, your bone tissue and disk can wear down. This can lead to sciatica
- Sitting for a prolonged period without any movement
- If your job involves driving for a long period or lifting heavy loads
- Smoking can weaken bones and can damage your spine tissue
How is Sciatica Diagnosed?
The doctor will conduct a physical exam to check muscle strength and reflexes. You may also be asked to walk on your toes, lift one leg at a time, etc. If your pain is caused by sciatica, doing these activities can increase your pain.
If your sciatica pain is severe and it does not improve in a few weeks, the doctor conducts imaging tests. The following imaging tests help to identify bone spurs and herniated disks:
- X-ray to generate images of your body and look for bone spurs
- CT scan to have a better view of your spinal cord and nerves
- MRI scans are used to get a clearer view of your back and spine
- EMG is used to know how speed the nerve signals pass through your muscles
How is Sciatica Treated?
The treatment for sciatica focuses on reducing your sciatica pain and to increase your mobility. In most cases, the sciatica pain reduces with self-care measures such as:
- Applying ice and hot packs
- Using over-the-counter medications to reduce your pain
- Practising stretching and strengthening exercises
If self-care measures do not reduce your pain, the doctor suggests certain medications to treat the sciatica pain. The medications are muscle relaxants, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, etc.
Physical therapy sessions can also help improve your body posture and can strengthen your back muscles.
Steroid injections may also be suggested to reduce swelling around the sciatic nerve. You can use up to 3 injections in a year.
If your sciatic pain is causing severe weakness and affects bowel movements, then surgery might be performed. During surgery, the herniated disk or the bone spur that is pressing on the nerve is removed.
Is Your Sciatica Pain Getting Worse? Meet Dr Vishwak Sena Reddy Today
If you or your loved one is suffering from severe pain due to sciatica, Dr Vishwak Sena Reddy is your right choice. He has over 14 years of experience treating sciatica and other neurological problems. He has become popular in Hyderabad for his effective and affordable services. He is very patient and suggests a personalised treatment based on your health condition. To discuss your condition or to know your treatment options, schedule your appointment with Dr Vishwak Sena Reddy today.