That shooting, tingling pain running down your lower back and leg might seem like typical back pain, but it could be something much more specific and often more painful, a condition called sciatica.
The condition is more common than one may think; nearly 40% of people in the U.S. will experience sciatica at some point in their lives.
“Sciatica is inflammation or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve that we have in our body. It’s located in our lower back, and when it becomes irritated or inflamed, we’ll feel pain in our lower back, going down the buttock through the leg to the foot can cause numbness, tingling, burning, muscle cramps, like Charlie horse sensations."
Dr. Mahmoud Sabbagh, a Pain Management Physician at DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan
Sabbagh said the biggest trigger for sciatica is disk herniation.
This occurs when the disks on the spine are subjected to excessive pressure, causing them to bulge or herniate.
“If they herniate out, they can press on the nerve and trigger these sciatica symptoms,” said Sabbagh.
Sabbagh explained that another cause is arthritis, which will narrow the opening around the nerves.
Sabbagh said various things can cause sciatica, such as secretary jobs, sitting for prolonged periods of time, poor posture, and working out without proper form.
He explained that resting too much will not help sciatica.
“Prolonged bed rest or prolonged rest could tighten the muscles, dry them out, and it could prolong recovery. It can make the symptoms worse,” Sabbagh said.
The doctor said there are ways his clinic can help alleviate sciatic pain. For more information and to book an appointment, click here.
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