Sciatica Nerve Pain Specialist in Frisco, Denton, and Plano, TX

Sciatica nerve pain occurs when there is irritation or pressure on the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back and along the legs. Sciatic nerve pain is usually described as a sharp, shooting or burning sensation that can be felt in the lower back, buttocks or along the leg. In some cases, the pain can be felt in the feet as well. Sciatic nerve pain often occurs alongside numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area. The pain may be aggravated by prolonged standing, sitting, or walking. It is not uncommon for sciatica to also cause muscle spasms and difficulty moving the affected leg.

Sciatica is most commonly caused by a herniated or slipped disc in the spine, which results in pressure being exerted on the sciatic nerve. Other common causes of sciatica include:

– Spinal stenosis: a condition in which the narrowing of the spinal canal is observed.
– Degenerative disc disease: a condition in which discs of the spine break down.
– Spondylolisthesis: a condition in which one vertebra slips forward over another.
– Traumatic injury: a blow to the spine or torso can cause an out of place disc.
– Spinal tumor: a growth which compresses the sciatic nerve.

Additionally, sciatic nerve pain can also be caused by an infection or inflammation in the spine. There are several risk factors for developing sciatica, which include obesity, age, and jobs that require heavy lifting or prolonged sitting.

Sciatic nerve pain can be broken down into two types, which are:

Acute sciatica – This type of sciatica onsets suddenly and is most often caused by a herniated disc or other sudden injury to the lower back. Acute sciatica can cause severe discomfort and may make it difficult to move around.

Chronic sciatica – Chronic sciatica is ongoing and may be caused by a long-term condition, such as spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease. The pain may be less severe than acute sciatica but is persistent and debilitating, often negatively affecting quality of life.

Both kinds of sciatic nerve pain cause similar symptoms, such as sharp or shooting pain, numbness, and difficulty moving the leg. The specific symptoms and severity of pain will depend on the underlying cause of the condition.

There are several methods to release pressure on the sciatic nerve and relieve pain, including:

Stretching: Specific stretches can release the muscles and ligaments around the sciatic nerve, relieving pressure and reducing pain. Some helpful stretches include the pigeon pose and seated forward bend.

Heat or ice therapy: Applying heat or ice to the affected area will help to reduce inflammation and discomfort. Heat will help to relax tight muscles, while ice assists by reducing swelling.

Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen are often recommended to reduce pain and inflammation.

Physical therapy: A physical therapist is equipped to develop a personalized exercise program to stretch and strengthen the muscles in the back and legs, which will help to reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Surgery : In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the source of the pressure on the sciatic nerve, such as a herniated disc.

The duration of time required for sciatic nerve pain to go away will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the pain, as well as the course of treatment. In many cases, the pain goes away within a few days or weeks of beginning treatment. In other instances, it could take several weeks or even months for the pain to fully subside. Pain relievers are often used to help speed up the healing process and alleviate pain faster. Consistent stretching and physical therapy is highly recommended to ensure quick and long-lasting pain relief.

Sciatica Nerve pain specialist is available at Pain Specialists of Frisco. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations in Frisco, TX, and Denton, TX. We serve patients from Frisco TX, Denton TX, Highland Village, TX, Little Elm TX, Celina TX, The Colony TX, Prosper TX, McKinney TX, Corinth, TX, Plano TX, Allen TX, Dallas, TX, Fortworth TX, and surrounding areas.