Sciatic nerve compression is an all too common spinal issue that affects millions of people across the globe. It occurs when our sciatic nerve – the largest nerve in our body that begins in our lower back and branches down each one of our legs – becomes compressed, irritated or damaged along the way. This condition is known as sciatica, and unless you proactively treat the condition, symptoms can persist or worsen. Below, we explain how Dr. Jackman and his team work to treat the different stages of sciatic nerve compression.
The Stages Of Sciatica
Sciatic nerve compression tends to progress through a few different stages on its way to becoming chronic, and although symptoms may vary from person to person, oftentimes treatment methods are pretty similar. Here’s how each stage of sciatica is commonly treated.
- The Acute Stage – The acute stage is the initial stage of sciatica onset. It is typically characterized by the sudden onset of sharp discomfort that radiates through the hip, buttocks and legs. You may also notice some tingling, numbness and muscle weakness in your lower body on the affected side. Pain is oftentimes most intense during this stage, but not always. Most spine specialists recommend aggressive non-operative treatment during the acute stage, which typically involves a combination of treatments like rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, controlled stretching, posture improvements and weight loss.
- The Subacute Stage – The acute stage typically lasts for about six weeks, and if you’re still dealing with sciatica symptoms past this point, you’ve transitioned to the subacute stage. This stage also lasts six weeks, and oftentimes pain becomes more frequent but less intense during this time. The nerve compression still exists, but your body is doing what it can to drown out the most intense pain signals, and you may unknowingly start to move in such a way to avoid triggering intense symptoms, which is why it may seem like symptom severity has decreased. You’ll want to continue committing to a conservative care plan during this stage, which involves the previously listed techniques and the possibility of corticosteroid injections to provide more concentrated inflammation relief.
- The Chronic Stage – If you have tried and failed to treat your sciatic nerve compression for 12 weeks, you’ve officially entered the chronic stage. Again, pain may not be at its most intense, but it tends to be ever-present, oftentimes in the form of a dull discomfort. Going through life with near-constant pain is no way to live, so you’ll want to connect with a spine specialist for the best treatment plan. If conservative methods have failed, there’s a good chance they’ll recommend a surgical procedure to decompress the nerve or provide more room for the nerve to pass unimpeded, although treatment will be focused on the underlying cause of sciatica, as a variety of issues can irritate the sciatic nerve.
No matter what sciatica stage you’re dealing with, we’re confident that we can help put the problem in the past and get you back to living an active and fulfilling life. Let Dr. Jackman and his team find the right care for your unique needs. For more information, or for help with a different head or neck issue, reach out to Dr. Jackman and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
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