Understanding Back Pain Means Understanding Sciatica

Are you suffering from back pain? Do you know what is causing this discomfort? Sciatica is a common problem, but knowledge about this issue is less common. To understand back pain, it’s important to gain a better understanding of sciatica. Your physical therapy clinic in Napa County, CA wants to ensure you have a good handle on this topic.

Use the following FAQ to educate yourself on the facts about sciatica, its causes and its treatment. If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact your physical therapy clinic in Napa County, CA.

Is all back pain due to sciatica?

No. Lower back pain is quite common. It affects eight out of 10 adults at some point in their lifetime. About 15 percent of these individuals also suffer from sciatica symptoms. The rest experience back pain due to other causes, which can vary greatly.

What is sciatica?

The simplest and most common understanding of sciatica is a pinched nerve in the lower part of your back.

What causes sciatica?

Sciatica can be caused by a variety of conditions. Most commonly, the symptoms are caused by the compression of a nerve root in the back. However, they can also be caused by advanced arthritis, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease and bulging in the lumbar discs.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Individuals suffering from sciatica experience a range of symptoms. These vary in intensity and frequency from person to person. Some may experience these symptoms for days, while others struggle with them for years. Common symptoms include aching pain, shooting pain, burning, weakness in the leg, numbness and tingling. These symptoms may occur in the back, lower leg, thigh and even the foot.

What is the appropriate treatment for sciatica?

It’s essential to understand that all sciatica cannot be treated the same way. The cause of the sciatica symptoms should determine the approach to treatment. It’s important to undergo a thorough evaluation by a qualified professional to diagnose the issue and receive a recommendation for proper treatment. Depending on the cause, treatment options may include exercise programs, spinal manipulation, myofascial release, spinal traction and trigger point dry needling. You may also benefit from lifestyle changes and weight loss.

Will treatment cure my sciatica?

It’s important to realize that sciatic pain has no quick fixes. This issue usually develops over time, and it takes time to treat. Because the symptoms can manifest due to a variety of conditions, the time required for pain to respond to treatment also varies. Partnering with professionals at a physical therapy clinic in Napa County, CA will help put your treatment on the right track and minimize long-term suffering.

Learn More

Would you like to learn more about sciatica and its treatment? Contact the experts at Focus Forward Wellness & Physical Therapy. Our licensed physical therapists specialize in integrative manual therapy (IMT) and offer a whole-person approach to wellness. Our specialties include sports injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, aging issues, women’s and men’s health, cancer symptoms and more. Reach out to us today!

Categorised in: Physical Therapy Clinic

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