The Best Pain Killer For Sciatica In Coral Springs

Sciatica is a common type of pain that affects the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the back of the leg. It can be caused by several things, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and piriformis syndrome.

If you're dealing with sciatica, you know how debilitating the condition can be. The good news is that there are a variety of options available when it comes to pain relief in Coral Springs.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a common condition that affects people of all ages. As many as 4 out of 10 people will get sciatica at some point in their lives. This nerve comes from the lower back and extends down the back of each leg. Then the nerve passes through the sciatic notch-- the small opening in the pelvis. The sciatic nerve branches off into smaller nerves as it passes through this opening; these smaller nerves innervate the leg and foot muscles.

Sciatica is often caused by a herniated disc. This happens when the soft center of a disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. Typically, anything that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause sciatica. The pain shoots down the back of one buttock or thigh and may radiate to the calf or foot. Most often, sciatica affects only one side of the body.

The sensation of the pain can vary widely. Some people describe it as a mild ache, while others say it feels like a sharp, burning pain. Sciatica can also cause weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg.

Pain may worsen by prolonged sitting, standing, coughing, or sneezing. Sciatica may also be aggravated by bending forward at the waist or lifting objects. That said, here are common causes of sciatica:

• Herniated Disk: A herniated or slipped disk occurs when the outer layer of the disk tears. This allows the inner portion to bulge out and presses on the sciatic nerve.
• Degenerative Disk Disease: This condition causes the disks in your spine to deteriorate. As the disks break down, they may bulge or rupture and put pressure on the sciatic nerve.
• Piriformis Syndrome: Piriformis is a small muscle located deep in the hip. It runs from the lower spine to the top of the thighbone. This muscle is responsible for rotating the hip. In some cases, the sciatic nerve may be running through the muscle. If the muscle becomes tight or spasms, it can compress the sciatic nerve and cause pain.
• Spinal Tumors. While rare, a spinal tumor can compress the sciatic nerve and cause pain. A spinal tumor is a growth of abnormal cells in the spine.
• Spinal Stenosis: This condition is caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal. The condition can put pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause pain.
• Infection or Injury: Infection or injury can cause inflammation in the spine, leading to sciatica.’

All of these we can test for using diagnostic imaging in our office.

Who Is Likely to Get Sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition that can affect anyone. However, certain factors may increase your risk of developing the disease. Usually, sciatica is most commonly seen in:

• Adults: As we age, the discs that cushion the spine begin to deteriorate, leading to sciatica.
• Pregnant women. The extra weight that a woman carries during pregnancy puts pressure on the sciatic nerve.
• People who have a sedentary lifestyle. This could be due to working a job requiring you to sit for long periods or not getting enough exercise.
• People who are overweight. Excess weight puts pressure on the spine and can lead to sciatica.
• People who have a history of back problems. If you've had a previous injury to your back or spine, you're more likely to experience sciatica at some point.

Medications for Relief of Pain From Sciatica

When it comes to pain relief, there are several options available. Oral medications include:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen
• Prescription pain relievers such as pain killers and opiates
• Muscle relaxants such as muscle relaxers

If oral medications don't provide enough relief, we offer an evaluation and treatment to assist in recovery.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is considered  an effective treatment for sciatica. That's because it focuses on caring for your whole body rather than treating the symptoms.

Once the cause of your sciatica is determined, your chiropractor will develop a treatment plan to relieve your pain and improve your pain.

Please Note: it's essential to work with a specialist who is experienced in treating sciatica, as some exercises can worsen the pain.

Need Help? You Can Count On Us!

Are you struggling to find the best pain killer for sciatica? Our experts at Coral Springs can develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs. We offer a wide range of treatments to ensure you get the best possible care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.