Sciatica in Vacaville

Sciatica in Vacaville

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Sciatica in Vacaville is known as the pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve path, which travels from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. The thing about sciatica is that it only affects one side of your body.

Sciatica can happen when you have a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine or when the narrowing of a spine compresses a part of the nerve. You will experience symptoms such as inflammation, pain, and sometimes numbness in one leg.

Even though the pain that comes with sciatica can be severe, most cases can resolve on its own after a few weeks. People who have severe sciatica that comes with significant leg weakness or bladder or bowel changes may require surgery for their treatment.


Symptoms in Vacaville

You can feel pain radiating from the lower spine to the buttock and down the back of the leg, which may indicate that you have sciatica. There will be some discomforts anywhere along the nerve pathway, but it is likely to follow a path from the low back to the buttock and the back of the calf and thigh.

The pain can vary widely wherein it can become a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or intense pain. There are cases where it can feel like a jolt or electric shock. The pain worsens when you cough or sneeze and sit for a long period of time. Only one side of the affected when this happens.

Some people also experience numbness, tingling or muscle weakness in the affected foot or leg. Also, there are instances where pain can be felt on one leg while there is numbness in another part.


Causes

Sciatica can happen when the sciatic nerve becomes pinched, usually by a herniated disc in the spine or by a bone spur on the vertebrae. There are also rare cases when the nerve can become compressed by a tumor or perhaps damaged by diseases like diabetes.


Risk Factors

Here are the risk factors that come with sciatica:

  • Age: As we age, there will be some changes with the spine including bone spurs and herniated disks.
  • Diabetes: This is a condition that affects the way your body uses blood sugar, which can put you at risk of nerve damage.
  • Obesity: Excess weight can increase the stress on your spine and may contribute to spinal changes that can trigger sciatica.
  • Occupation: If you work on a job that requires you to twist your back, carry heavy loads or drive motor vehicles for hours then it may cause sciatica, but there is no conclusive evidence to back it up.
  • Prolonged Sitting: Sitting for prolonged periods or engaging in a sedentary lifestyle can trigger sciatica even more.

Complications

Even though most people recover from sciatica, often without treatment, there is still a possibility that it can cause permanent nerve damage. Make sure to seek immediate medical attention when you experience the following:

  • Weakness in the affected leg
  • Loss of feeling in the affected leg
  • Loss of bladder or bowel function

Prevention

It is not always possible to prevent sciatica and it may happen again. However, doing the following things can play a key role in protecting your back:

  • Exercise regularly: Focus on your core muscles to keep your back strong. This is because the abdominal muscles and lower back are important for proper alignment and posture. You can ask your doctor about specific routines that you can do.
  • Maintain proper posture when sitting: Invest on a chair with a good armrest, lower back support, and a swivel base. You can try putting a pillow for the back to maintain its curve. Also, try to keep your knees and hips level.
  • Use proper body mechanics: If you are standing for several hours, try resting one foot on a stool or small platform from time to time. Make sure to use your lower extremities when lifting something heavy. Maintain a straight back and bend only at the knees. Keep the load close to your body while avoiding lifting and twisting simultaneously. If the load is too heavy or awkward, don't shy away from asking someone for help.

If you are suffering from sciatica or any of its associated conditions, do not hesitate to get in touch with Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine in Vacaville. Just dial the number (707) 474-5688 and their friendly staff will accommodate you with your inquiries.

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2:00pm - 7:00pm


Tuesday
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Wednesday
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2:00pm - 7:00pm


Thursday
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Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine

1490 Alamo Drive Suite B
Vacaville, CA 95687

(707) 474-5688