Many people experience lower back pain that interferes with their daily lives and well-being. Though poor posture, muscle sprains, or spinal injuries are sometimes to blame, a condition called sciatica is often the root cause. Sciatica affects 10% to 40% of the population, but it's a condition that's often not understood. Here's a closer look at how to identify and treat it.

What Is Sciatica?

A specific type of lower back pain is caused by issues with one of the sciatic nerves, which run through the hips and buttocks and down the legs. This nerve can be inflamed, irritated, pinched, or compressed. Most people develop sciatica due to a slipped—or herniated—spinal disc, which pinches or puts pressure on the nerve.

Because of the position of the affected nerve, sciatica pain often radiates from the lower back to the hips, buttocks, and legs. The condition only affects one side of the body in most cases.

What Are the Symptoms?

People with sciatica can feel pain in various ways. One person may describe their back pain as a burning ache, while someone else feels a stabbing pain instead. Depending on the person and the severity of their condition, the pain could be constant or infrequent, but it will generally worsen by twisting at the waist and standing or sitting for extended periods.

Other symptoms of sciatica include numbness in the lower back, buttock, leg, or foot. If pain is present, it will feel worse with movement. Discomfort in the lower body can be moderate or excruciating. You may also feel a pins-and-needles sensation in your leg and foot or experience muscle weakness.

How Is Sciatica Treated?

If your physician diagnoses you with sciatica, you can take steps to manage the pain. When experiencing a flare-up, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin can provide relief from inflammation and swelling. Applying ice packs wrapped in a towel to the affected area can also reduce inflammation. 

Another way to relieve sciatica pain is physical therapy. This treatment includes stretching exercises that improve muscle flexibility and decrease discomfort. Spinal adjustments and decompression therapy from a licensed chiropractor are effective alternatives or supplements to physical therapy.

When you need relief from sciatica that's causing lower back pain, turn to O'Fallon Pain Relief Associates in St. Charles County, MO. This medical facility offers a broad range of effective pain management programs to target and treat the underlying causes of pain while easing symptoms. Their medical professionals provide everything from pain medication regimens to physical therapy and chiropractic care. Schedule an appointment today by calling (636) 978-3000 or visiting them online.