What You Need to Know About Sciatica

If you have been dealing with pain that radiates from your lower back down through your leg, you may be dealing with a condition known as sciatica. In most cases, sciatica only impacts a single side of the body, and can involve anything ranging from some light tingling and numbness to significant pain. The good news is that treatment can be relatively simple, and many cases are easily resolved with exercises and stretching.

Read on to learn more about sciatica and what you can do to relieve it.

What Causes Sciatica?

The vast majority of sciatica cases are caused by a nerve that has been pinched, or “manually compressed” in medical terms. More often than not, a problem like a herniated disc or something like the presence of a bone spur is causing the compression that ultimately leads to sciatica, which also involves the presence of renegade inflammation.

Some individuals who are suffering from sciatica also report having significant weakness in the affected leg, as well as changes to their bowel or bladder patterns. In these more severe cases, surgical intervention might be the best option.

Common Symptoms of Sciatica

The typical case of sciatica will begin with pain that starts near your lower back, in an area referred to as the lumbar. One of the most common symptoms involves pain that runs from the lumbar down the back of the leg, but individuals dealing with this condition can experience pain at any point along the nerve’s length.

Sometimes the pain is simply a soft ache, while in other cases it can be outright excruciating. This will depend on the severity of your case, and also its specific root cause. It’s almost always the case that only one side of the body is impacted by sciatica.

Long Island Spine Specialists Can Help

If you think that you may be dealing with sciatica, our talented team of spine specialists can help you resolve your issue and find the relief you deserve. To learn more about how we can help you, simply reach out to our office and set up your consultation with a member of our helpful staff today!

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Practice Policy Update Regarding COVID-19

Dear Patients:

Our patients, employees and family are our top priority at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

We ask you to not visit any of our locations if you have symptoms such as fever, sneezing, coughing and possible shortness of breath.

Please cancel your appointment and re-schedule once you are feeling better and are no longer suffering with symptoms.

Only non-symptomatic patients will be seen. No exceptions.

Accompanying family members – including children – are asked to remain in the waiting area and will not be allowed to enter the exam rooms.

During this time of high concern regarding the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we are taking extra precautions to maintain the highest possible standards of safety and cleanliness. Please be advised that we are carefully following recommendations from both the CDC and WHO and are here to help guide you through this time if needed.

Some steps we are taking to keeping safe:

We know how important cleanliness is and always maintain the highest standards of cleanliness. To further offer you peace of mind, we have increased the frequency of the cleaning of our office.

Rest assured that hand washing is strictly followed. Hand sanitizer is available to all staff and patients.

Additionally, if you have recently traveled to a country with high rates of the coronavirus or have been on a cruise, please reschedule your visit for at least 14 days from your return date. We will gladly accommodate your needs to reschedule. At that time, a telehealth interface can be arranged if necessary.

Find up-to-date and accurate information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website and feel free to reach out with questions.

- Your team at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about Long Island Spine Specialists – and to discover how we can relieve your pain and help you find an improved quality of life – please contact our office today and schedule a consultation.