What Triggers Sciatica? | Sciatica Doctors Torrance

Chronic pain is one of the biggest problems in the United States. This issue impacts millions of people every year, leading to severe quality of life issues. At Rolling Hills Medical, we see a lot of patients who come to us for help with pain management. One of the most common causes of chronic pain is sciatica. For those who might not know, sciatica is the term used to describe irritation of the sciatic nerve, which is one of the biggest nerves in the body. This nerve starts in the back and runs down its length. Then, it splits into two and travels down each leg. This means that there are plenty of opportunities for this nerve to get irritated. There are a few common causes of sciatica that we see at Rolling Hills Medical on a regular basis.

The Common Causes of Sciatica

There are a few common causes of sciatica. At Rolling Hills Medical, some of the most common causes of sciatica that we see include:

• Herniated Disc: If someone suffers a herniated disc, this can lead to irritation of the sciatic nerve.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: In this chronic medical condition, the discs of the back deteriorate over time. This can lead to the application of pressure on the sciatic nerve, leading to pain.
• Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: This condition leads to the narrowing of the spinal canal. When this takes place, the sciatic nerve gets compressed. This leads to irritation and pain.

The Triggers for Sciatica

If someone has sciatica, there are also a few common triggers that might make this condition worse. Some of the most common triggers of sciatica include:

Weight: Weight is one of the biggest contributing factors to sciatica. If someone is overweight, there is extra stress that is placed on the muscles of the core and back. This can place pressure on the sciatica nerve, making the symptoms worse.

Lack of Exercise: Along with weight, a lack of exercise can also make sciatica worse. When someone leads a sedentary lifestyle, this leads to the accumulation of fat and the loss of lean muscle. This can make sciatica worse.

High Heels: If someone wears high heels, this changes the angle between the sciatic nerve, the back, and the canals through which this nerve passes. High heels can cause the sciatic nerve to rub up against the side of various tissues. This irritation can make symptoms of sciatica worse.

Mattress: If a mattress is either too hard or too soft, this can also place pressure on the sciatic nerve, making the symptoms worse. The mattress needs to be the right firmness.

The Treatment of Sciatica

If someone is suffering from sciatica, we have a variety of treatment options we can use. We prefer to use nonsurgical treatment options first, such as PRP or steroid injections or ablation procedures. We can even use radiofrequency rhizotomy to avoid surgery. Then, if these don't work, we have surgical options available as well. We also start with minimally-invasive surgical procedures before we progress to major operations. We will do everything we can to manage your symptoms without surgery.

Contact Rolling Hills Medical Today to Learn More

At Rolling Hills Medical, our medical doctors have a tremendous amount of experience treating sciatica. While we never like to perform surgery, we do have that option available for those who need it. Our doctors have been honored to serve the individuals and families of the Torrance, Los Angeles, and Orange County areas from the first day we opened our doors. We would be happy to help you and your family with all of your healthcare needs as well. If you want to learn more about our services, please contact us today at (424) 267-2491 to make an appointment!