Sciatica Doc in Clifton Reveals 9 Myths and Facts About Sciatica

Myth #1: You can be diagnosed with sciatica

Fact: Although sciatica is frequently referred to as a condition or a diagnosis, it is actually a symptom that indicates something is irritating a nerve root in the lower back – usually along the sciatic nerve. The key is to figure out what’s generating the pressure that causes the nerve pain so that proper treatment can be prescribed.

Because there are so many conditions that can trigger sciatica pain, it is recommended that you contact a pain specialist to receive a proper diagnosis and begin treatment.

Myth #2: Most leg pain relates to sciatica

Fact: Our sciatica doctors have noticed that many individuals consider nearly every leg discomfort to be a sign of sciatica. This is, however, not the case.

Leg discomfort can be caused by vascular problems, muscular strains, cellulitis, or another inflamed nerve, such as the femoral nerve, which causes pain in the front of the leg. Leg pain associated with sciatica usually goes from the mid-buttock down the back of the leg, typically beyond the knee and down into the calf. It is a very particular type of pain that usually radiates towards the back.

Myth #3: Sciatica pain has an unknown cause

Fact: Sciatica is caused by a pinched or compressed sciatic nerve, which is usually caused by bulging or herniated discs between the vertebrae in the lower spine.

A bone spur, bony growth on the spine, and spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal canal – can also cause sciatic pain. A spinal tumour can compress the nerve and cause sciatic discomfort in rare circumstances.

Usually, a sciatica doctor is able to determine the exact cause of the pain and prescribe one or multiple types of treatment, helping the patient make a full recovery.

Myth #4: Sciatica appears suddenly

Fact: Many people believe the pain would not have appeared if they didn’t carry that luggage, do that heavy lifting session, sit for long periods on a road trip, or help a buddy move some furniture around.

In most cases, however, the intervertebral disk already has a tiny bulge and is about to herniate, and the events mentioned above only worsen the issue, triggering the pain.

While a single event may not cause sciatica, certain occupations may. Physically straining employment is a high-risk factor for sciatica, according to research. Jobs in manufacturing, automotive, and other industrial labour are among the jobs associated with a greater risk for sciatica pain in men. Nurses, salespeople, and industrial jobs present the same risks for women.

Myth #5: Resting is going to make the pain disappear

Fact: The natural reaction to back pain is to lay down and get some rest, assuming the pain will disappear. While it can work with some cases of back discomfort, resting may actually worsen sciatic pain due to poor sleeping posture. According to our pain specialists, most patients do better if they stay active and avoid excessive rest.

Being active helps release pressure and free the nerve from compression, but you need to be careful with the types of exercise you perform. Always ask your doctor to recommend a routine and do not alter it without discussing it with them first.

Myth #6: Medication is the best form of treatment

Fact: You would think that taking an analgesic or anti-inflammatory medicine might be useful to treat sciatic pain, but research has revealed that medication such as NSAIDs, corticosteroids, antidepressants, and opioid analgesics have little to no benefits in eliminating the pain.

Some patients may, however, benefit from short-term relief using anti-inflammatory or acetaminophen medication.

Other therapy options for persons with chronic severe symptoms that don’t respond to analgesics or improve with activity moderation include taking oral steroids or getting epidural steroid injections – injections into the spinal canal.

Myth #7: If medication fails, you will need surgery

Fact: According to our sciatica specialists, most patients with sciatica symptoms recover within six weeks and do not require surgery.

Physical therapy and epidural injections are two of the best types of therapy for most cases of sciatic pain. If these therapies fail, especially in rare situations when there is considerable weakening, numbness, or very high-intensity pain, surgery can significantly and permanently alleviate sciatic discomfort. However, our board-certified sciatica doctors will try to do their best not to get here.

Myth #8: In some cases, there is no cure

Fact: Patients frequently express concern that there is no treatment or that there is nothing that can be done to alleviate their problems. Oftentimes, people are very concerned that not even surgical therapy will help them out.

Fortunately, many scientific studies have consistently demonstrated that most symptoms improve and that, if surgery is required, it is highly effective.

Myth #9: You can’t prevent sciatica

Fact: Although not all cases of sciatica can be avoided, staying active and exercising with a correct posture can help to reduce the occurrence and recurrence of lower back discomfort, as well as joint pain. Maintaining a strong core —strengthening the abdominal and back muscles — can also help avoid sciatica pain.

Sciatica may also be prevented by avoiding prolonged sitting, controlling weight, maintaining adequate hamstring flexibility, and maintaining proper spinal alignment.

Now that you understand more about sciatica, it is time to assess your condition. If sciatica pain gives you trouble, consider booking an appointment with a sciatica doc in Clifton as soon as possible to identify the cause of the pain and receive proper treatment! Don’t hesitate to contact our Clifton pain center, on Route 46E, just past the Ford dealership and schedule an appointment with a back pain dr as soon as possible!