5 Reasons To Consult With Your Sciatica Specialist

Over 80% of Americans have experienced sciatica, one of the most prevalent lower back pain. In addition, over 40% of the world's population is said to be affected by this condition on a macro level, according to Harvard Health.

The sciatic nerve travels from the spinal cord via the hips and buttocks and down the legs, causing dull or severe pain, numbness, and weakness along its course.

Nevertheless, despite how common the condition is, many people go undiagnosed and untreated, increasing their risk of developing chronic back pain that limits functionality, mobility, and flexibility.

If untreated, the issue can get worse and ultimately necessitate surgery.

Common sciatica symptoms include:

- Hip and back pain.

- Tightening of the muscles.

- An all-over tingling, pins-and-needles sensation in the legs.

- Numbness and weakness.

- Tension in the afflicted region.

- Shooting aches that make standing difficult.

- Incontinence (loss of bladder and bowel control).

Although the symptoms may be mild at first, as the condition worsens, they frequently become more severe. The sciatic nerve may suffer long-term injury if symptoms are ignored before a diagnosis is made.

If you've been ignoring the sciatica symptoms, it may be time to recognize the serious problem and get appropriate treatment.

We've compiled five reasons why you shouldn't ignore sciatica's harmful symptoms.

1. Sciatica, if left untreated, may lead to permanent nerve damage.

Sciatica can permanently harm nerves, worsening back and leg discomfort if it is not treated. The pain may eventually spread to other areas of the body. In addition, patients can sometimes stop reacting to painkillers, leading to the development of chronic pain that cannot be treated.

Diabetes patients are more likely to sustain permanent nerve damage.

Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment can assist patients in locating minimally invasive and non-invasive yet effective treatments, hence reducing the possibility that they would suffer long-term nerve damage.

2. You have a chance of developing cauda equina syndrome.

People who ignore their sciatica symptoms run the risk of developing cauda equina syndrome (CES). Damage to the cauda equina, a group of nerve roots at the spinal cord's base, leads to this illness. Permanent paralysis could result from CES.

The disorder, which results in intolerable lower back pain and incontinence, is categorized as a medical emergency. Additionally, patients report a tingling and burning sensation in their legs that limits movement and makes walking difficult.

3. You could experience a lack of sensation and motor control

Patients can lose feeling in the affected limb in severe situations. However, for diabetic patients, this is extremely risky because the loss of sensation is made worse and accompanied by a loss of motor control.

The lateral and posterior lower leg and the plantar nerve get sensations from the sciatic nerve. Additionally, it gives the hamstrings and pivotal muscles motor functions. Long-term sciatic nerve compression results in a diminution and gradual cessation of sensation, which results in a painful and crippling loss of movement.

Patients in these situations suffer from irreversible motor impairment, necessitating an amputation.

4. If sciatica is left untreated for too long, you may require surgery.

Early detection and diagnosis allow patients to receive non-invasive care that may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDS), physical therapy, or both. But if untreated for a long time, the condition might necessitate surgery.

Waiting too long can be particularly difficult for people with tomophobia, the fear of invasive medical procedures, and preoperative anxiety.

5. Your mental health may be impacted

While sciatica places an excessive amount of physical strain on the body, it also impacts the patient's mental and emotional well-being daily. This could be brought on by incontinence, intermittent agonizing pain, and inconsistent sleep patterns brought on by sciatica.

The patient's general health and welfare may suffer from severe psychological stress.