Almost all adults in Las Vegas experience back pain at least once in their lifetime. It is a nuisance that can affect your ability to walk, exercise, or sleep. Untreated back pain can affect the quality of your life significantly. If you have pain that radiates to your leg and backside, you may need the help of a Las Vegas sciatica doctor. It is a common problem, and four out of ten people in the United States experience it at some point. The following are a few important facts about sciatica.
- It Isn’t Your Regular Back Pain
Sciatica and back pain are different problems. The most common causes of low back pain are injuries or a strain on your muscles and ligaments. Usually, the pain is focused on muscles close to your spine. If you have pain that radiates to your backside and legs, you have sciatica. It occurs when your sciatic nerve is irritated.
- You Should Seek Medical Help for Extreme Pain
Severe pain is always a sign that you need the help of a doctor. If you have a herniated disc, it may result in sciatica pain. You need immediate help if you experience other symptoms like numbness or weakness in your legs. Early treatment keeps the problem from getting out of hand.
- It is a Symptom
Sciatica is the inflammation of your sciatic nerve. It is mostly a result of herniated discs. It is an indication that something is wrong, and you need to see a doctor.
- The Pain Doesn’t Last Long
For most people with sciatica, the pain does not last more than 15 days. About 86% of sciatica patients feel better within two weeks. While some people rely on medication, the pain can be relieved without medical help. If you have extreme pain or you have trouble moving your legs, consider seeking medical help as soon as possible.
- Some Positions Make the Pain Worse
If a herniated disc causes irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, the pain can get worse when you sit down. The sitting position puts pressure on your disc, pushing it out more. Lifting heavy objects could also make the pain worse.
- There Are Many Treatment Options
When you have sciatic pain, the first treatment options are acetaminophen and anti-inflammatories. However, you may need muscle relaxants to relieve the underlying cause of the problem. Steroid medication reduces pain and inflammation. Another great option to get some relief is resting. After one or two days of resting, do some stretching exercises to alleviate the pain.
- There Are Warning Signs
There are a few warning signs to watch out for. Seek medical help if you have any of the following signs:
- Sudden weight loss
- Fever
- Numbness or a tingling sensation in both legs
- Numbness in your genitals, buttocks, and the surrounding areas
If you suspect that you may have sciatica, consider seeking medical attention as soon as possible. If you wait too long, the problem may get out of hand.
