Dr. Upadhyaya Featured on VeroNews.com
Our own Shivam Upadhyaya, MD, a fellowship-trained spine surgeon here at South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, was recently featured in an article on VeroNews.com discussing Sciatica.
In the article, titled You’ve got some nerve: How and why sciatica causes pain, Dr. Upadhyaya explains the causes, symptoms, and treatments of Sciatica. From the article:
Dr. Shivam Upadhyaya, an orthopedic surgeon at South Florida Orthopedics, says nature and nurture both come into play for those dealing with sciatica. “Genetics can definitely play a role,” he says. “Add to that our American lifestyle that includes lack of core strength and flexibility, being overweight and sitting a lot for work, and it’s a challenging combination.”
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a medical condition characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in the body, running from the lower back down through the buttocks and into each leg. Sciatica typically affects one side of the body and can cause a range of symptoms, including:
Pain: The hallmark symptom of sciatica is pain that can vary in intensity from a mild ache to a sharp, shooting pain. It usually starts in the lower back or buttock and travels down the back of the thigh and into the leg, sometimes extending all the way to the foot.
Numbness and Tingling: Sciatica can lead to numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation in the affected leg or foot. This occurs because the nerve compression or irritation disrupts normal nerve function.
Muscle Weakness: In some cases, sciatica may cause weakness in the leg or foot, making it difficult to walk or perform certain movements. This weakness can be a result of nerve compression affecting the muscles.
Sciatica is often caused by a herniated or bulging disc in the spine that presses on the nerve root, but it can also be the result of other conditions like spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), a bone spur on the spine, or even a muscle spasm in the buttocks that irritates the nerve.
Treatment for sciatica depends on the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms. It may include conservative measures such as rest, physical therapy, pain medication, or epidural steroid injections. In more severe or persistent cases, surgery may be considered to relieve pressure on the nerve.
If you suspect you have sciatica or are experiencing symptoms like those described above, we can help. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Upadhyaya and our team of spine experts in Stuart and Port St. Lucie.