If you experience pain in your lower back, hips, or buttocks that burns or tingles down your leg, you may have sciatica. This common type of pain affects the sciatic nerve, a large nerve extending from the lower back down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of the lower body, and for some, the pain can be severe and debilitating. In order to manage your symptoms, it's important to learn more about the causes of sciatica and available treatment options.
Common causes of sciatica may include irritation of the root(s) of the lower lumbar and lumbosacral spine, lumbar spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, pregnancy, and muscle spasms. Additionally, being overweight, not getting enough exercise, wearing high heels, and sleeping on a soft mattress can exacerbate sciatic pain.
If you suspect you may be suffering from sciatica, your doctor can do a thorough physical exam that includes muscle strength and flexibility tests. CT scans and MRI pictures may also be used to pinpoint the affected area and rule out other issues. Most of the time, sciatic pain goes away on its own and you can get back to your daily activities without a problem. Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medications may also be advised by your doctor.
If your sciatic pain becomes overwhelming or lasts for an extended period of time, your doctor may recommend epidural injections into the spinal canal or surgery as a last resort.
Keep a jar of Milkweed Balm handy and you may be able to avoid costly and painful procedures. Applied topically, Milkweed Balm may help promote bone, joint, and muscle health.