Facts Versus Fiction: What You Need to Know About Sciatica

Our body’s lower spine usually has less support compared to the upper spine. It often endures more strain, especially during leisure or work activity, and during bed rest due to poor body posture. If the tension worsens, a lot can happen. This includes rupturing of discs, loss of bowel control as well as numbness. You must, therefore, visit a specialist such as Dr. Gatz for the effective treatment of sciatica in Greenacres Pain Institute. 

Despite sciatica being a common condition, certain misconceptions persist, making it hard for people with this condition to seek the right treatment.

Myths

  •         You can’t prevent Sciatica

Some forms of sciatica can’t be avoided. However, some cases can be prevented through maintaining proper spinal alignment, good posture, minimizing sitting, weight management as well as maintaining excellent hamstring flexibility.

  •         Sciatica is entirely due to slipped discs

Slipped discs are just the most common cause of sciatica, but not the reason why you may be experiencing pain. Other conditions that cause include spinal tumors, spondylolisthesis, and whiplash due to car accidents.

  •         Surgery is the only way to treat Sciatica truly

Surgery is often the last resort when all other non-invasive treatments have failed. Most cases of sciatica resolve in weeks and therefore don’t require surgery

  •         Medication is the best relief method for Sciatica

A clinical review published by the British Medical Journal revealed that drugs such as opioid analgesics, corticosteroids, NSAIDs, and antidepressants were not very useful in managing sciatica. Other treatment options, such as receiving epidural steroid injections as well as oral steroids, were more effective, especially for people with long term pain.

Facts

  •         Exercise is the best preventive measure

Experts recommend having a workout routine to help relieve symptoms of Sciatica. Exercises can improve your sciatic nerve flexibility, increase bone strength, as well as improve muscle strength.

Make sure to ask your physician or any health professional the best exercises for sciatica to prevent injuries as a result of poor techniques.

  •         Some conditions tend to mimic Sciatica

There are times when the pain from other medical conditions such as arthritis and sacroiliac joint dysfunction mimic pain. It’s essential to visit a specialist who will rule this out and provide a correct diagnosis.

  •         Sciatica could lead to medical emergencies

Though rare, there are times when the symptoms from sciatica may require immediate attention. These symptoms include numbness in the groin, pain in both legs and other extreme neurological symptoms.

  •         Most patients respond to treatment

People with Sciatica usually respond to treatment after the first four weeks. Those who don’t respond to therapy are then advised to try minimally invasive procedures.

  •         The treatment options for sciatica must be individualized

Most doctors recommend combining several treatments for sciatica. Treatment must be individualized, as each patient is different. Some of the treatment options include alternating heat therapy, pain medication, chiropractic treatment, ice massage, and surgery as a last resort.

  •         The risk of Sciatica increases with weight and height

Tall and overweight people are at a higher risk of sciatica. The risk further increases with age and is more common in men than women.