Sciatica is the medical term used to refer to neuropathic pain elucidating from the sciatic nerve due to inflammation, compression, or irritation of this nerve. Sciatica often presents itself as numbness, a dull ache, burning, or a tingling sensation in the leg. Sciatic pain is attributed to neural damage, which results in pain in the area that it innervates. Some of the commonly identified cases of sciatica are:
- Spinal stenosis
- Pelvic injury
- Presence of a tumor
- Piriformis syndrome
- Slipped spinal disk
Note that men above the age of 30 are more likely to develop sciatica than any other population. When sciatica sets in the early 20s, the cause is most likely to be injury-related. Initially, it may start as a dull ache but will tend to worsen when you stand for long periods, bend backward, take long walks, or when straining your pelvic muscles.
Professional Sciatica treatment in Pittsburgh, PA recommends visiting a physician to establish the etiology of sciatic pain. The cause will provide a good indicator of the treatment plan for the patient. For instance, if the pain is caused by a herniated spinal disk, chiropractic care or surgical interventions would be an excellent treatment course.
If the pain is due to pelvic injury, over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen may be prescribed by the physician. For at-home remedies, sciatica treatment in Pittsburgh, PA, recommends the hot and cold technique, which involves pressing on an ice pack intermittently for about 48 hours, followed by heat therapy. Exercising by taking a brisk walk or doing cardio will strengthen your abdominal muscles, thus helping alleviate some symptoms.
