Sciatica Treatment in Long Island
Sciatica Treatment in Suffolk County, Long Island
Sciatica is a common culprit when you have mysterious, frustrating back and leg pain. Dr. Palumbo is a board-certified and nationally-recognized neurosurgeon who has a compassionate bedside manner and impeccable credentials.
How to Tell When Your Back Pain Is Sciatica
Sciatica is a condition resulting in pain in the lower back that shoots down the backside of the leg. It is a painful condition with a complex set of causes. For instance, sciatica is typically a symptom of an underlying condition, such as degenerative disk disease, a herniated disk, or spinal stenosis. Understanding when to call a specialist requires patients to acknowledge the pain they’re feeling may be related to sciatica. Common symptoms of sciatica include:
- Chronic pain worsens when you sit
- Burning and tingling sensations in either or both legs
- Loss of leg mobility
- Weak or numb legs and feet
Risk Factors of Sciatica
You may be asking yourself who is at risk for sciatica? Dr. Palumbo regularly sees patients suffering from this condition. However, the risk factors surrounding it are as diverse as the patients he sees. Sciatica is caused by a wide range of things, including:
As we age, our spines change. As the shape of the spine fluctuates, we’re at risk to develop herniated disks and bone spurs, and those two conditions are the most frequent causes of sciatica.
Obesity places more weight on your spine than it can handle. As time passes, this excess weight can reshape your spine, causing the same conditions brought on by aging herniated disks and bone spurs.
Sitting for prolonged periods does carry risks with it. Office workers are more likely to develop sciatica due to the way they sit in their chairs than workers who have active positions. One way to avoid sciatica is to take regular walks or take advantage of a standing desk if your employer offers it.
One of the unfortunate byproducts of diabetes is increased nerve damage. If you have diabetes and you’re experiencing the indicators of sciatica, visit our office in Suffolk County.
Prevent Sciatica With These Simple Exercises
Fortunately, sciatica isn’t necessarily caused by genetics. Meaning, you can prevent the condition from striking. While Dr. Palumbo is a neurosurgeon who uses surgical treatment to resolve sciatica, he still wants patients to avoid sciatica altogether. If you fall into any of the risk factor categories listed above, then three simple lifestyle changes will go a long way towards averting sciatica.
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise keeps your body limber and enhances cardiovascular health. But more importantly, it strengthens your back. Keeping your back strong and healthy is a great way to avoid the adverse side effects associated with dealing with sciatica. Your core muscles – meaning your abdomen and lower back – are crucial components of proper exercise.
Be Mindful of Posture When You Sit
Because sciatica is so closely associated with changes in spinal alignment, it’s essential to keep a close watch on your posture. If you’re an office worker, be sure to sit in a chair that provides excellent lower back support, comfortable armrests, and a swivel base. One way to accomplish this task without a chair with excellent lumbar support is to place a pillow behind your lower back.
Use Proper Body Mechanics
If your job requires you to lift heavy items regularly, then you should be mindful of how you lift them. Use the power of your legs to lift and keep your back straight. Don’t try to lift items too heavy or awkwardly-shaped. Instead, find a colleague to help.
We Can Perform Surgery to Remove the Cause of Sciatica
Surgery is a last resort. However, if you need it, then you’ve come to the right place. Dr. Palumbo has years of experience performing surgeries for patients whose sciatica has caused constant and agonizing pain, loss of bowel or bladder control, and weakness. If physical therapy and other methods fail, Dr. Salvatore Palumbo can remove the bone spur, herniated disc, or other elements that are causing the problem. Contact us today to make an appointment.