Everyone deals with stress from time to time; however, chronic unmanaged stress can take a toll on your mental health and physical well-being. Stress is believed to be a potential trigger for sciatica and low back pain, which is one of the leading causes of missed work and workplace disability in the United States.
At Republic Spine and Pain, our team of pain management doctors and specialists offers comprehensive pain treatment plans from two convenient locations in Austin and Georgetown, Texas.
Sciatica pain develops when the sciatic nerve is compressed, usually by a herniated disc or bone fragment that puts pressure on the nerve, causing inflammation and pain. Like other musculoskeletal conditions, sciatica pain ranges from mild to severe and often responds to conservative treatments like rest and medication. At Republic Spine and Pain, our medical team will tailor a personal pain management plan to help you find long-term relief from sciatica pain.
Depending on the severity and duration of your symptoms, sciatica is typically managed with a combination of treatments that may include:
People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing peripheral nerve damage and may also have a higher risk of developing sciatica.
Everyone responds to stress differently. Factors like bad posture, being sedentary, not getting enough exercise, smoking, weight gain, and a physically demanding job can act as triggers for sciatica.
Stress management involves several steps, such as minimizing anxiety, stretches and strength training activities like yoga, and learning relaxation techniques like meditation or therapy for mental health.
Chronic stress can lead to elevated levels of cortisol — the “fight or flight” hormone. Over time, too much cortisol can increase the risk of health problems, like high blood pressure and inflammation, which can make it harder for the body to heal and recover from injuries and infection, leading to other potentially serious health problems.
Sciatica treatments are usually conservative and non-invasive, but you should schedule an appointment if your symptoms don’t resolve on their own or your sciatica pain is significant. If you’ve received sciatica treatment in the past but have experienced limited results or the methods you’ve been using don’t work anymore, our team will create a pain management plan designed to offer you long-term relief.
For more information about sciatica and back pain treatment, contact us today to schedule an appointment with a pain specialist at our offices in Austin or Georgetown, Texas.
