Sciatica manifests as pain along your back and legs, and although it's often a temporary condition it can be difficult to manage on your own. Some of the most frequently asked questions regarding sciatica are answered below, but if you would like to learn more you can reach out directly to Dr. Wade Taylor and Dr. Shannon McKinney of Accelerated Medical in Elko, NV.
What Are the Symptoms?
Along with pain along your back, buttocks, and legs, there is often a feeling of numbness associated with the condition. You may feel painful tingling in your toes and feet that usually gets worse as you move around. The symptoms are typically localized to one side of your body, and in severe cases, they can lead to loss of feeling and movement.
What Causes Sciatica?
One of the most common causes of sciatica pain is a herniated disc, for which you are more at risk as you get older.
The bones in your spine, the vertebrae, are cushioned by discs that also help to improve its movement and yours. When the soft gel-like center of a spinal disc is squeezed out, or in other words, becomes herniated, it forces it into an already tight space which can put pressure on your sciatic nerve.
How Is It Treated?
Sciatica symptoms can sometimes go away on their own, and if you do require treatment it will depend largely on the severity of your condition. Massage therapy and chiropractic manipulation can relieve pressure and improve your motion and movement. Physical therapy can also be used to improve your posture and strengthen your muscles, and if you require it, localized trigger point injections can provide relief.
How Can It Be Prevented?
You can prevent a lot of back problems through regular exercise, maintaining good posture, being careful about the way you lift heavy objects, and visiting your chiropractor regularly can also help you get ahead of back-related issues.
Treatment for Sciatica in Elko, NV
If you are struggling with sciatica and would like professional help, you can schedule a consultation in Elko, NV, with Dr. Taylor and Dr. McKinney of Accelerated Medical by dialing (775) 753-7387.