Sciatica affects as much as 40% of the American population at some point during their lifetime. This is a compression injury to the sciatic nerve, which is the body’s longest and largest nerve – running from the bottom of the spine down the buttocks and along the backs of both legs and to the toes.
Sciatic pain can be caused by a herniated disc or a bone spur compressing the sciatic nerve. It can also be caused by spinal stenosis, which also causes inward compression on the nerve by one or more degenerative spinal vertebrae (bones). This condition is essentially a type of pinched nerve.
Let’s talk about some of the most common causes and symptoms of sciatica, and where you can go in Southeast Michigan for outstanding spine care and treatment for your back pain.
Risk Factors and Causes of Sciatica
- Age – As we get older, our bones tend to lose strength and degenerate. When the bone tissue in our back deteriorates, it can put inward pressure on the nerves in the spinal cord – which runs through the spinal vertebrae. The sciatic nerve begins at the base of the spine, so it is vulnerable to pressure from nearby bone tissue.
- Obesity – Excess body weight can contribute to pressure on the spine, thereby hastening the deterioration of the spinal column. As a result, spine-related injuries and conditions such as sciatica can develop.
- Occupation – If your job requires frequent twists, turns, and pressure on your back, you are at risk of developing sciatica.
- Prolonged sitting – People who have a desk job are especially at risk of sciatica if they do not maintain proper posture. Slouching and leaning can put pressure on the sensitive sciatic nerve.
- Diabetes – Diabetic neuropathy affects almost 50% of diabetes patients, and this condition refers to nerve damage in diabetics. When you have neuropathy, nerves all over your body – including the sciatic nerve – are weak and are susceptible to pain. Leg and foot numbness is a symptom.
- Tumors – Schwannomas are the cause of rare cases of sciatic pain. Schwannomas are usually benign tumors, and they can develop in a peripheral nerve sheath – and the sciatic nerve is a peripheral nerve. These tumors have symptoms like those of a herniated disc.
- Underlying or ancillary health conditions – Sciatica may be due to autoimmune or musculoskeletal conditions, or as a side effect of medication or treatment for another health issue.
What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica?
The following are the most common symptoms of sciatica reported by patients:
- Lower back pain that is localized from the hips to the back of one thigh
- Pain that extends from your buttocks down the back of one leg, possibly going all the way to your foot (it rarely affects both legs)
- Leg numbness
- Leg weakness
- Bowel changes
- Bladder changes
Sciatica Pain Treatment in Rochester Hills, MI
If you’re looking for spine care by an experienced and successful orthopedic spine surgeon, look no further than Ahlgren Spine. Our skilled healthcare team will provide you with the finest care under the supervision of board-certified Dr. Bradley Ahlgren, and we will be here for you from diagnosis to sciatica pain treatment and full rehabilitation.
If you would like to know more about our services or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ahlgren, call us today at (248) 215-8080 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
