Sciatica Defined
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If you’ve recently had a pain in
your back or leg, I would bet your diagnosis was “sciatica.”
However, the term sciatica simply means pain along the sciatic
nerve.
So what exactly is sciatica? To better
define the actual problem and, more importantly, treat it,
you must first identify the symptom’s source. Like most
conditions, sciatica is a symptom of another problem just
as a cough could be a symptom of a cold, allergies, bronchitis
or a more serious condition.
And like a cough, pain in your back or down
your leg can have a number of origins including:
- Lumbar disc herniations
- Spinal stenosis
- Joint dysfunction
- Piriformis syndrome
- Muscles imbalances in the pelvis or leg.
Again, any of the above sources are capable of producing
pain that starts in the back or pelvis and can radiate to
the buttocks or down the leg.
Where to go from here?
With a thorough review of a patient’s health history
and comprehensive physical exam, qualified health providers,
like the physicians at Winchester-Hilgefort, can uncover the
root of the problem.
Whether it is a lumbar disc herniation, a
joint problem or muscle imbalance, manual care combined with
a simple, personalized exercise program can remedy the problem
in a short period of time. The majority of “sciatica”
cases do not require surgery.
Preventing future problems
Once your health is restored, understanding how this problem
developed is imperative for prevention. Learning how to
properly avoid recurrences with simple changes to your daily
routine or by incorporating specific exercises can rid you
of sciatica issues once and for all. Such instruction
should be a part of your treatment regime.
To learn more about this condition and proper
treatment contact Dr. Matt Hilgefort or Dr. Brett Winchester
at Winchester-Hilgefort Spine and Joint Center at 636-356-5557
or visit us online at www.whsjc.com.
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