Why You Should Never Ignore Sciatic Nerve Pain

 If you have pain shooting from your lower back through your buttock area and into your lower limbs, chances are it’s sciatica. About 40% of Americans experience sciatica at some point in their lives. While many cases resolve with conservative care, ignoring worsening symptoms like numbness or tingling is dangerous.

At Seattle Spine Institute, in Seattle, WA, our specialists provide personalized care for a wide range of spinal conditions, including sciatica. 

Here’s what they want you to know about this condition. 

Sciatica 101

The sciatic nerve is the longest in your body, starting from the lower or lumbar spine, passing through the pelvis and buttocks, and down the back of each thigh to the legs and feet. It directly affects your ability to control and feel your legs. When the sciatic nerve is irritated, you experience that shooting pain known as sciatica.

Risks of delaying sciatica treatment

Constant pressure on this nerve can lead to a loss of sensation or weakness in the affected leg.

If the compression isn't addressed, it can lead to a condition called drop foot, where it becomes difficult to lift the front part of your foot. This significantly increases your risk of falls and makes walking a challenge.

Signs your sciatica is worsening

Worsening sciatica suggests that an underlying cause, such as a bulging disk, is exerting excessive pressure on the spinal canal.

Signs your sciatica requires a professional evaluation include:

• Pain that persists for more than a week despite home care.
• Severe pain in your lower back or leg that makes it hard to stand.
• Sudden weakness in your leg or foot muscles.
• Numbness that spreads or makes the leg feel heavy.
• Difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels is a medical emergency.

When caught early, sciatica can often be treated with physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, or corticosteroid injections.

Who is at greatest risk for sciatica?

Anyone can develop sciatica, but certain groups are at an increased risk. This includes:

• Adults ages 30 to 50: This age group is most likely to experience the wear and tear that leads to disc herniation.
• People with sedentary jobs: Sitting for long periods, especially with poor posture, puts significant pressure on your spinal discs.
• Workers in physically demanding jobs: Lifting heavy loads or repeatedly twisting your back increases the risk of a structural injury.
• Overweight individuals: Excess body weight adds stress to the spine, which can contribute to spinal changes that trigger sciatica.
• Patients with diabetes: This condition affects how your body uses blood sugar, increasing your risk of general nerve damage.

Smoking also significantly increases the risk of sciatica. Smoking interferes with the blood supply to your spinal discs, causing them to wear down and lose their cushioning properties more quickly than they would otherwise.

How our medical team provides relief

We start with a detailed physical exam and diagnostic imaging to see exactly where the nerve is pinched. We don't just treat the symptoms; we look for the mechanical issues in your spine that are causing the pain.

We start with conservative treatments. This may be one or more of the following: 

• Targeted exercises
• Spinal injections
• Lifestyle changes. 

If surgery is necessary, we use minimally invasive techniques to reduce recovery time and get you back to your routine. Our goal is to stop the progression of nerve damage and restore your ability to move without pain.

Nobody should endure back pain. To find a solution for yours, schedule an appointment, call our Seattle office at 206-322-1765, or contact us online.