Sciatica is a painful condition caused by compression of the sciatic nerve and affects the lower back, hips and outside of legs. The sciatic nerve is a major nerve that starts in the lower back, goes through the hip and into each buttock and eventually into each leg. Sciatica occurs when there is a notable amount of pressure on one or more of the lumbar nerve roots, often resulting in pain. Sciatica is more of a description of symptoms than it is a diagnosis. Pressure on the sciatic nerve can be caused by a variety of conditions, including: spondylolisthesis; herniated disc; spinal stenosis; abnormalities of vertebrae; or degenerative disc disease. Medical professionals may also refer to sciatica as radiculopathy, which is a medical term used to describe a nerve root problem that causes pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms or legs.

Sciatica is a very distinct type of symptom. Sciatica pain typically flows from the lower back through the buttock area and into the lower limbs. Other symptoms of nerve damage are usually present with the pain because sciatica is the result of damage or injury to the sciatic nerve. Other symptoms may include the following:

• Pain that gets worse with movement
• Numbness or weakness in the legs or feet
• Loss of feeling or movement
• Sensation of pins and needles, painful tingling in toes or feet

Sciatica pain typically feels like a constant burning sensation or a shooting pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and radiates down the front or back of the thigh and leg and/or feet; numbness may also be present in the back of the leg.

Common causes of sciatica triggers include:

• High levels of stress
• Poor posture
• Wearing tight-fitting clothing
• Sitting on an uneven surface for long periods
• Using shoes with high heels
• Excessive weight
• Bending over when lifting heavy objects
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Pregnancy
• Depression and negative emotions

The treatment for sciatica is unique for each patient and varies depending upon a number of factors, including:

• The severity of the pain
• The chronicity of the condition
• How the patient responds to treatment
• If other methods have failed to provide relief

Based on these factors, sciatica treatment may entail:

• Physical Therapy
• Chiropractic Therapy
• Massage Therapy
• Pain Injections

If you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of sciatica, come to Max Center for Health for treatment you can trust. Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced in treating sciatica and work to address its underlying cause for long-term relief. Call us today at (614) 714-6810 to book an appointment, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 240 N Liberty St Suite R, Powell, OH 43065. Our office is open Monday & Wednesday from 8 AM to 6 PM, on Thursday from 12 PM to 6 PM, and on Friday from 8 AM to 12 PM. We serve patients from Powell OH, Dublin OH, Worthington OH, Westerville OH, Hilliard OH, and Delaware OH. Looking forward to serve you!