Sciatica is a distinct and often debilitating pain that travels from the lower back, through the buttock, and down the back of one leg, sometimes extending into the foot and toes. This condition is not a diagnosis in itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying issue: the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve.
At Centereach Disc Centers of America, Dr. Malak Azab, a highly experienced Doctor of Physical Therapy, specializes in accurately diagnosing and treating the root causes of sciatica. He provides the Centereach and Ridge communities with advanced, non-surgical solutions to relieve pain and restore function.
Understanding the Symptoms of Sciatica
The experience of sciatica can vary greatly from person to person, depending on where the sciatic nerve is being compressed. The most common symptom is a radiating pain, but it can also be accompanied by:
- A constant burning sensation.
- Numbness or weakness down the leg.
- A “pins-and-needles,” tingling, or prickly sensation.
- Pain that worsens with sitting or standing.
In most cases, these symptoms appear on only one side of the body. While many episodes of sciatica can resolve within a few weeks, the pain can persist or worsen over time if the underlying cause is not properly addressed.
Important Note: While rare, sciatica can sometimes indicate a more serious medical problem that may lead to permanent nerve damage. If you experience bladder or bowel incontinence, or growing weakness or loss of sensation in your leg, you should seek immediate medical attention.
What Is Causing Your Sciatica?
Your sciatic nerves are the longest in the body, exiting the spine in the lower back and traveling down the back of each leg to the toes. Sciatica occurs when one or both of these nerves are irritated. A very common mistake is believing the problem lies within the leg itself; however, the issue almost always originates in the lower back.
Common causes of sciatic nerve compression include:
- Herniated or Bulging Disc: The most frequent cause, where a spinal disc presses directly on the sciatic nerve root.
- Spinal Stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal that crowds and compresses the nerve.
- Spondylolisthesis: A condition where one vertebra slips forward over another.
- Piriformis Syndrome: Spasm or tightness in the piriformis muscle in the buttock can irritate the nearby sciatic nerve.
- Trauma or Injury: A fall or accident can lead to direct compression of the nerve.
Sciatica can affect anyone, from those with sedentary lifestyles to highly active individuals, especially those involved in sports or jobs that require heavy lifting or frequent twisting of the back. It is a mechanical problem that requires a mechanical solution.
A Modern, Non-Surgical Approach to Sciatica Relief
At Centereach Disc Centers of America, we offer a more natural and less invasive option for treating sciatica through advanced physical therapy. Instead of using chiropractic adjustments, Dr. Malak Azab, as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, focuses on gently relieving the pressure on the sciatic nerve to allow the body to heal and the pain to subside.
Your personalized treatment plan will be based on a thorough evaluation to determine the precise cause of your pain and may include:
- Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression: This is a cornerstone of our treatment for sciatica caused by disc issues. By gently decompressing the spine, we can reduce the pressure on the nerve root, providing significant pain relief.
- Manual ‘Hands-On’ Therapy: Dr. Azab uses skilled manual techniques to improve spinal mobility and address any soft tissue restrictions, such as in piriformis syndrome, that may be contributing to your pain.
- Therapeutic Exercise: A customized program of stretching and strengthening exercises helps to stabilize the spine, improve flexibility, and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
- Kineso Taping®: As a Certified Kineso Taping Practitioner, Dr. Azab can utilize this technique to help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and support proper movement patterns as you recover.
Find Your Solution to Sciatica
If you or someone you know is suffering from the persistent, radiating pain of sciatica, contact us today. Our expert team can provide a proper diagnosis and determine if our advanced, non-surgical treatments are the right option for you. Schedule your free consultation to take the first step toward lasting relief.
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