Sciatica can be a painful and troublesome injury. Patients in Sherman Oaks, Rancho Cucamonga, Downey, and Arcadia area who are suffering from sciatica are encouraged to visit Dr. Lavi for pain relief options.
The sciatic nerve begins in the low back and runs through the back of the thighs, buttocks, and knees until it reaches the feet. Sciatica is a condition where the sciatic nerve is compressed and pinched. It is responsible for supplying feeling in the legs. This is why any damage done to the sciatic nerve will cause pain or numbness in the lower extremities. Pinching of this nerve can also cause weakness in the legs, making it difficult to stand without needing rest when the nerve is irritated.
Sciatica usually only affects one side of the lower body. This type of pain will begin by radiating from the lower back and then moves down the back of the thigh and into the leg. Symptoms can intensify during sudden movements or when changing positions. Some combination of the following symptoms is most common:
Pain from sciatica causes the muscles to spasm, it will decrease mobility, and add to the pressure that the nerve is under. A proper examination will be used to determine what level your sciatic pain is coming from. Treatment for sciatica will depend on what is causing the nerve irritation. Your doctor may suggest physical therapy, injections of medicines such as steroids, stronger medicines such as muscles relaxants or opiates, or even surgery for severe cases.