5 Common Causes of Sciatica

Pain is the body’s signal that something is amiss and requires attention. If it is the sciatic nerve indicating that anything is amiss, you could feel the pain anywhere in the lower part of the body. The pain could range from a little irritation to being so intense that emergency surgery is required. At Acupuncture Health Services, you will access exceptional diagnosis and treatment for your sciatica pain. Your care plan is tailored to your unique pain concerns; thus, understanding the reason for your sciatica pain goes a long way in offering lasting pain relief. Continue reading to discover the common causes of Shrewsbury sciatica pain.

1. Herniated Disc

A bulging or herniated disc is the most typical source of sciatic nerve discomfort. The spinal cord comprises discs, which act as cushions for the vertebrae to prevent them from grinding against one another. Once this cushioning disc falls out of its exterior casing’s crack, it could exert strain on the sciatic nerve, causing pain and discomfort.

In most cases, a herniated disc results from the gradual aging of the body with time. However, a herniated disc could occur at any age due to everyday activities such as improperly moving heavy objects.

2. Spinal Stenosis

Your spinal canal narrowing leads to lumbar spinal stenosis. The spinal canal should not narrow; thus, the sciatic nerve roots are subjected to excessive strain once this abnormal occurrence happens. Like a herniated disc, spinal stenosis stems from the body’s normal aging process, although some persons are born with spinal canal anomalies. Once the spinal canal becomes constricted, the resulting nerve pain is typically numb or tingling because of strain on the spinal nerve roots.

3. Spondylolisthesis

Another probable reason for sciatic nerve discomfort is spondylolisthesis, which occurs once one of the lower vertebrae slips onto the bone below. This condition is associated with the body’s natural aging and degeneration, and it could become severely uncomfortable due to the unexpected strain the slid vertebra places on the nerve roots.

Fortunately, spondylolisthesis is an easy disease to address with therapy or surgery based on the condition’s severity. Similarly, a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise could avoid spondylolisthesis.

4. Trauma

Any condition that compromises the sciatic nerve could result in sciatica. These concerns involve trauma that forces the sciatic nerve to tolerate extra strain. Bone fractures could result from various causes, including trips or falls, sports injuries, or automobile collisions. All these injuries could affect the sciatic nerve, causing it to be damaged or compressed.

5. Spinal Tumors

In rare instances, a tumor pushing on the sciatic nerve could produce sciatic nerve discomfort. Nevertheless, cancer is not always responsible. Even benign tumors are aberrant growths that could cause sciatic nerve injury. Fortunately, benign tumors are readily removable with surgery and are unlikely to result in permanent nerve damage. Malignant tumors are a risk, and they develop in the spinal column from the disc or bone region, once again causing sciatic nerve compression.

Sciatica pain can be quite daunting and disrupting to your everyday life. Therefore, if you experience radiating pain or discomfort in your lower back that you suspect is linked to sciatica, seek expert assistance. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine specialist Dr. Michael Beys offer comprehensive care solutions that guarantee lasting pain relief and treatment for your underlying concerns. Call the Shrewsbury, NJ office, or use the online scheduling tool to arrange an initial consultation today.