SCIATICA
Sciatica is the name given to pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is located in the lower back and splits to extend down both legs to the feet. This nerve consists of five nerve roots that originate in front of the lumbar spine and group together to form the largest single nerve in your body.
The sciatic nerve can be pinched or squeezed when your pelvis and lower spine are out of alignment. Patients suffering from sciatica can have difficulty walking, sitting, standing, or lying down. Sciatic pain can range from mild to debilitating. Sciatica is not a condition in itself. It's a symptom of underlying conditions that affect the spine, pelvis, and hips.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatic pain, or compression of the lumbar nerve roots, can be caused by several things, including:
- Disc degeneration & Herniated Disc
- Pinched nerve
- Spinal stenosis
- Scoliosis
- Pregnancy
- Muscle strain
Common Causes:
Running from the lower back down through the hips, buttocks, legs, and feet the sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. This pain is fairly easy to identify as people suffering from sciatica experience symptoms like:
Disc degeneration
Herniated disc
Spinal stenosis
Pinched nerve
Scoliosis
Pregnancy
Muscle strain
Sciatica Risks Factors
Studies have shown that people who are overweight or obese or those who smoke may be at increased risk of developing sciatic pain. People whose jobs require heavy lifting for long periods are also at increased risk.
Traditional Treatments for Sciatica
Traditional treatments for sciatic nerve pain rarely resolve the underlying issue. Without addressing the root cause, the pain can keep coming back. Non-surgical medical treatments include pain and anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxers, opioids, and steroids. These treatments mask symptoms and can have adverse side effects. Surgery is risky and sometimes fails, so it should be a last resort for sciatica.
Can a Chiropractor Help with Sciatica?
If time, rest, medications, and over-the-counter pain relievers aren’t relieving your symptoms, you should see a chiropractor. There are many non-invasive treatment options and a range of therapeutic approaches that can treat the common causes of sciatica. The best treatment for sciatica depends on your situation, including the cause and severity of the pain. Chiropractic care for sciatica pain often includes the following:
Stretches
Exercises
Spinal adjustments
Therapeutic massage
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Contact the Bluff Chiropractic & Family Wellness team to schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing sciatic pain. After a thorough chiropractic assessment, we’ll develop a personalized plan to bring immediate and lasting relief. Whether you’re struggling with pain from a spinal abnormality, an injury, a herniated disk, or sciatica, we have effective treatment options that can help you recover from pain and immobility. We’ll help you learn techniques to keep your spine flexible and your muscles strong to prevent pain from recurring. Reach out to our team today, and let’s get started!