Relief of Sciatica Pain
Posted on July 02, 2019
Sharon’s description of her intense sciatic pain is similar to what many people experience:
“… an intense burn and extreme ache and pain. It’s like a lit match to your skin.”
If you experience pain that radiates from your lower back into the buttock and down the back of one leg, “sciatica” may be to blame.
The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back and branches out to extend down each leg. When pain originates from this nerve, it is commonly referred to as sciatica.
In most cases, pain from sciatica affects only one side of the body. It occurs when the nerve is compressed due to:
- A herniated disk
- Narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis)
- A bone spur on the spine
This compression triggers inflammation that leads to pain and even numbness in the affected leg. Pain may range from a dull ache to a sharp, burning sensation or an electric “jolt”. It may be more intense after prolonged sitting and sharpen when coughing or sneezing. Some people experience tingling or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot.
Although some sciatic pain can resolve on its own (with stretching and exercise), painful symptoms that last a week or more or that continues to worsen needs the involvement of a physician.
For Sharon, now a patient of Dr. Jonathan Daitch at Advanced Pain Management & Spine Specialists, her sciatica became “pain in the extreme.” She explains that it hurt to sit and walk, finding relief only when lying flat on the non-affected side. “I found I could go to the grocery store or the drug store, but I couldn’t go to both. It was one or the other,” she states.
The reasons for developing sciatica are most often related to …
- Age – As we age, our spine – the stabilizing force for the body – becomes more susceptible for herniated disks and bone spurs.
- Job-related – When work includes functions that strain the spine (such as carrying heavy loads or frequent twisting motions), sciatica seems to be more common.
- Prolonged Sitting – Sitting too much, whether on the job or due to an inactive lifestyle, leaves people more likely to develop sciatica.
- Obesity – Excess weight places stress on the spine, contributing to issues related to sciatica.
- Diabetes – Nerve damage is a higher risk with this condition.
When sciatica causes significant leg, bowel or bladder weakness, surgical involvement may be needed. However, most sciatica can be resolved through simple, non-surgical procedures.
Through Dr. Daitch, Sharon found nearly immediate relief. “He listens to you and finds the exact location for the shots,” resulting in “80 to 90 percent relief within a week.” She goes on to say the results typically last 3 to 4 months.
When the pain returns, Sharon says she actually looks forward to the injections, “There is no pain pill that will help sciatica,” and adds, “These treatments have been a lifesaver,” giving her relief for over four years.
According to Dr. Daitch, a Board Certified Pain Management physician in Fort Myers, Florida, it’s not just a matter of giving an injection to a patient. “By getting the medication to a precise location, our patients receive a higher degree of relief as well as a more extended period of relief.”
Dr. Daitch is one of the most experienced injectionists in the state of Florida, having performed over 80,000 injections for the relief of all types of pain. He adds, “Our bodies were designed for movement. Yet, when a painful condition develops, it’s difficult for people to maintain ease of motion. These simple injections can help most sciatica sufferers resume a comfortable life and stay active.”
If you have symptoms that may be related to sciatica, call Advanced Pain Management and Spine Specialists. Dr. Daitch and Dr. Ivan Samcam (Board Certified in Pain Medicine) make patient comfort a priority at every visit while providing the most conservative, minimally-invasive treatments available in advanced pain management.
Learn more by calling 239-437-8000 or visit: www.apmss.net.