Sciatica Symptoms vs. Other Back Pain Symptoms

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Sciatica Symptoms vs. Other Back Pain Symptoms

Sciatica symptoms are usually distinctive enough that they are not confused with other back pain symptoms. There are, however, a few areas where certain conditions can mimic sciatica symptoms, and these conditions should be ruled out before you begin a course of treatment. The most obvious and universal sciatica symptom is a sharp pain which travels from your lower back down your leg. If you have sciatica, this pain is the result of your sciatic nerve being pinched or compressed. However, a sharp, traveling pain that stays in your lower back and pelvic area may also be symptoms of a kidney stone. Some conditions which cause sciatica symptoms need to be treated immediately, such as in infection, a tumor on the back, or a broken vertebra. Technically, these conditions actually cause the sciatica, but their treatment goes way beyond normal back pain management. Sometimes what we presume to be sciatica symptoms can point to a different or much more serious condition than sciatica itself. You should make sure that your sciatica symptoms are properly diagnosed before you begin any treatments.

Sciatica Symptoms and Causes

Properly interpreting sciatica symptoms will help you determine whether or not you have that condition, but sciatica is difficult to cure unless the actual cause is known. Sciatica is generally caused by something compressing your sciatic nerve, but finding that “something” will help you determine the best course of action. Sometimes the root of your sciatica symptoms is just a misaligned spine or an inflamed muscle. In other cases, though, a tumor on your spine or an infection in your kidneys could cause those symptoms. The sciatica symptoms which result from a broken or compressed vertebra are often identical to symptoms caused by piriformis syndrome. Xrays, ultrasounds and CT scans are often required to determine the actual cause of your sciatica symptoms. When dealing with sciatica, or any other painful symptoms, it is always important to differentiate the causes of sciatica from its symptoms, and treat each accordingly.

Relief from Sciatica Symptoms

Sciatica can cause symptoms which range from irritating to immobilizing, and finding relief from those symptoms can become an obsession. If your sciatica is just annoying, then over the counter medications or herbal remedies could ease your symptoms and let you get on with life. However, if your sciatica is intense and debilitating, prescription medications may be a temporary answer. In either of these cases, though, exercise is usually an effective treatment for sciatica symptoms as well as a step toward the cure. Restoring blood flow to your muscles and allowing your back to re-align itself will offer a longer-lasting relief from sciatica symptoms than just medications will. Curing sciatica symptoms should not be confused with curing the sciatica itself, but the symptoms should be seen to anyway. The important thing to remember is that curing the sciatica is the only effective way to treat the symptoms.