Experiencing pain that radiates from the lower back or buttocks all the way through the legs is a common sign of sciatica. One of the best ways to help relieve the pain of sciatica is with chiropractic care. If it is not treated, this condition can worsen and become debilitating.
What is Sciatica?
The pain caused by sciatica can be different for each person. It can be very mild or become very intense. It may feel like a burning, or it could be a sharper pain. Most people experience some sciatica during their lives. Mild sciatica may often resolve itself quickly with good self care such as rest. However, if you experience more severe symptoms you need to seek treatment right away. These kind of symptoms include things like:
- Sudden or severe pain in your lower back and legs
- Numbness or muscle weakness in your legs
- Sciatica pain that occurs immediately following a violent injury, like a car wreck
Sciatica pain usually happens when the sciatic nerve is pinched by a herniated disk or bone spur. You are more likely to experience sciatica if you are:
- Over 30: The older you get, the more likely you are to develop bone spurs which are the most common cause of the pain.
- Obesity: Being obese puts more pressure on the spine, increasing the risk of many back problems, including sciatica.
- Occupation: Jobs that require a lot of twisting or extended periods of sitting are more likely to leave you dealing with sciatica.
- Diabetes: Diabetes causes nerve damage which can lead to sciatica.
The great news is that most people make a full recovery from sciatica with proper treatment. However, if it is left untreated the patient may end up with permanent nerve damage.
How to Diagnose Sciatica
Sciatica can be diagnosed by your chiropractor or by a doctor in a physical exam. Often doctors offer solutions such as narcotics, muscle relaxants, tricyclic antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, steroid injections and even surgery. A chiropractor is going to give you a different type of approach that has no side effects and isn’t addictive and may offer immediate pain relief.
Chiropractic Treatments for Sciatica
There are several ways that a chiropractor will be able to help you with sciatica.
Spinal Manipulations
Spinal manipulations (adjustments) can help to gently realign the spine and release the pressure that is placed on the sciatic nerve that is causing all of the pain in the first place.
Decompression Therapy
Decompression therapy has been proven to help relieve sciatica pain by stretching the spine to relieve pressure on discs.
Sciatica Prevention
Your chiropractor can help you to prevent sciatica pain in three major ways:
- Corrective Exercises: Your chiropractor can teach you exercises that will help to strengthen your back and prevent the types of injuries that leave you susceptible to sciatica.
- Good Posture: You can improve your posture simply by being more aware of it. You can also learn exercises to help you improve and maintain good posture, which will help prevent sciatica.
- Lift Properly: When you lift it is so important that you bend from the knee in order to help prevent injuries. These are the kinds of injuries that can cause sciatica.
If you are having pain in your back or legs, visit North Atlanta Chiropractic Center online to schedule a free consultation.
Sciatica Prevention
Your chiropractor can help you to prevent sciatica pain in three major ways:
- Corrective Exercises: Your chiropractor can teach you exercises that will help to strengthen your back and prevent the types of injuries that leave you susceptible to sciatica.
- Good Posture: You can improve your posture simply by being more aware of it. You can also learn exercises to help you improve and maintain good posture, which will help prevent sciatica.
- Lift Properly: When you lift it is so important that you bend from the knee in order to help prevent injuries. These are the kinds of injuries that can cause sciatica.
If you are having pain in your back or legs, visit North Atlanta Chiropractic Center online to schedule a free consultation.
Common Reasons for Chiropractic Care