Sciatica Pain Treatment Specialist in Rapid City, SD

Sciatica is a type of pain that is characterized by weakness, numbness, and tingling in one or both legs. This can occur when the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, experiences irritation or compression. The sciatic nerve begins on the outside of the spin, traveling down the lower back, through the pelvis, and down the back of the legs. 

This important nerve has both motor and sensory fibers, meaning it helps the muscles in the legs and feet move as well as allows us to feel sensations in the legs. When the term sciatica is used, it refers to any pain that affects this large nerve. Some of the most common causes of sciatica include:

• Bone spurs – Also known as osteophytes, these hard bumps can grow on bones and cause sciatic pain.
• Herniated disks – This condition occurs when a disk bulges out into the spinal canal and irritates the sciatic nerve.
• Piriformis syndrome – The piriformis is a gluteal muscle that can compress the sciatic nerve and cause pain.
• Degenerative disk disease – When the cushioning between the spinal bones wears down, sciatica often occurs.

Sciatica is very common. Many people experience this type of pain in their lifetime. It’s estimated that around 40% of Americans experience this condition. Certain risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing sciatic nerve pain. These include:

• Certain occupations – If you work in a position that requires heavy lifting and twisting your spine, you are at a higher risk of developing sciatica.
• Age – Individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 are at an increasingly higher risk of experiencing sciatica.
• Diabetes – As the condition can cause neuropathy, diabetes increases your risk of sciatic pain.
• Lifestyle factors – Running can cause sciatica as it increases your risk of piriformis syndrome. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle and smoking or using tobacco products also increase the risk of developing this type of pain.

Sciatica can cause the following symptoms:

• Persistent pain – The main characteristic of sciatica is pain that originates in an area that the sciatic nerve travels along. The pain is often described as shooting, burning, or sharp. It can affect the lower back or one or both legs. Some people experience severe pain, while others have milder discomfort that can be described as tingling or a “pins-and-needles” sensation.
• Numbness in the legs – People with sciatica often report numbness in one or both legs or feet. This sensation may be constant or come and go intermittently.
• Weakness in the legs – Some people with sciatica may experience weakness in the affected leg, making it difficult to move or bear weight. This sensation is often more noticeable during lifting or when trying to stand up from a seated position.

If you notice these symptoms, especially if they tend to worsen during certain movements, you should see a healthcare professional for an assessment. Symptoms of sciatica often worsen with forceful movements, such as sneezing or coughing.

Depending on the root cause and the severity of your sciatic pain, healthcare professionals can provide a variety of treatments to ease your discomfort. Some of the most common treatments for sciatic nerve pain include:

• Medication – To alleviate sciatica, your healthcare provider may prescribe anti-inflammatories, opioids, or corticosteroids.
• Steroid injections – Corticosteroid injections can be used to treat the affected area. This approach is highly effective at providing pain relief and alleviating inflammation.
• Physical therapy – Your healthcare provider can outline specific exercises and stretches to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve and strengthen the surrounding muscles.
• Surgical intervention – In severe cases that do not respond to other treatment approaches, doctors may recommend surgery to address the root cause of your sciatic pain.

To determine whether one or a combination of these approaches is right for you, you’ll need to schedule a consultation appointment. Our experts will evaluate your symptoms and their severity to diagnose the problem and deliver comprehensive and high-quality care. For more information, contact us or visit us. We are conveniently located at 101 E Minnesota St. Rapid City, SD 57701. We serve patients from Rapid City SD, Rapid Valley SD, Black Hawk SD, Box Elder SD, and surrounding areas.