Understanding the Causes of Sciatica Inflammation
Sciatica is one of the lesser known conditions, even though it is very common. Sciatica is a condition that is primarily characterized by pains in the lower back and gluteal region, and this is pain that usually radiates down and into the legs and even as far as the feet. This pain is most often the result of a herniated disc or overgrowth of bone in the spinal cord.
Causes of Sciatica Inflammation
When it comes to the causes of sciatic inflammation, as mentioned before, the most common of the causes of sciatica inflammation involves a herniated disc. It is important to understand here that each vertebral disc in the back is made up of a very tough outer layer of cartilage and a more elastic central area.
Now that you know this, you can understand that as you age, these disks end up degenerating and becoming much thinner and weaker over time. Especially when you are putting a lot of pressure on this area for extended periods of time, this can result in causing cracks in the outer layers of the disks, thereby allowing the central mass to squeeze out.
The bottom line is that one of the main causes of sciatica inflammation then is herniated discs in the lumber or sacral regions which put pressure on the sciatic nerve and result in causing pain and discomfort.
Treatment
Now that you are aware of the main causes of sciatic inflammation, treatment is the next step. There is the option of non surgical treatment, which most often involves prescription medication. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication is typically used and helps with mild to severe sciatic pain.
Then there is also surgery, but this is not for all patients and should only be a last resort when other methods have been tried and failed. You will have to discuss this matter with your doctor as well so that they can do a proper assessment of your condition and determine whether or not this is going to be the right choice for you.
Regardless of which particular treatment method you decide to go with, it is important to realize that when it comes to the recovery of sciatica, it is always wise to follow the instructions provided by the doctor or the physical therapist. The best thing you can do is go through with proper treatment, and then strive to eat healthy and work towards an ideal body weight.
