Take A Stand Against Sciatica Pain
Any kind of discomfort can be uncomfortable, but sciatica is a debilitating form of pain. While irritating, the nerve condition affects roughly three million people every year. For most people, sciatica is caused by herniated disks or even bone spurs that develop on the spine. The deformities can create pressure on the sciatic nerve. In most cases, individuals diagnosed with sciatica can rely on a variety of at-home treatments to control discomfort or even improve the condition. However, when such options don’t yield consistent relief, people suffering from sciatica are encouraged to consider minimally invasive surgery.
What causes sciatica
A pinched nerve is the main culprit behind sciatica. The pain is created when the sciatic nerve that runs from the lower back into each leg experiences pressure from the herniated disks touching the nerve. While bone spurs can create the same pressure, in sporadic cases, a tumorous growth can also cause the condition to develop. Finally, poorly controlled diabetes can contribute to nerve damage, which may lead to sciatica.
Associated risk factors
Sciatica isn’t always linked with risk factors, but some groups have a higher chance of receiving the nerve pain diagnosis. In particular, a person’s age may increase the likelihood of experiencing such intense nerve pain. Likewise, obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, or even routinely sitting for extended periods can be exacerbating factors. Sometimes, certain occupations are more likely to be diagnosed with sciatica, while pregnant women can also temporarily struggle with the condition.
Sciatica symptoms
Like a lot of neurological conditions, sciatica pain can vary widely between sufferers. Some people may only have mild symptoms, while other individuals may struggle with basic mobility as a result. For most people, the pain is typically limited to one side of the body. Discomfort may be more noticeable in a specific part of the body, such as a certain area on the leg or hip. Sometimes, due to sciatica, people can struggle with weakness in one or both of the legs, or pain may flare up after standing or sitting for too long. Finally, some individuals may only experience symptoms at night or after sneezing, coughing, straining, or even laughing.
When at-home care stops working
Although many individuals can manage sciatica pain with at-home solutions, other people may need more support. Options such as leveraging hot and cold therapy, using gentle stretches, or taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications can provide relief. Alternatively, physician-administered prescription medications and localized injections or even physical therapy may be recommended. However, if all of the above fail to provide measurable results, microdiscectomy may be recommended.
A minimally-invasive surgery
A microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive spinal surgery designed to specifically treat the root cause of herniated disc-related sciatica. Similar to an arthroscopy for carpal tunnel, for sciatic pain, a surgeon will remove parts of the disc that are pinching the sciatic nerve. The process reduces pressure and is effective, with research showing that 84% of people who have had surgery enjoy long-term pain relief.
Is surgery the right choice?
Various factors influence whether a person with sciatica is considered an ideal candidate for microdiscectomy. In most cases, the people best served by the procedure are people with herniated disc-related sciatica. Even with that criteria, most pain sufferers are encouraged to try all at-home and medically administered non-invasive methods before turning to surgery. Take control of nerve pain by speaking with a physician to understand the condition and treatment options.
