A backache can be very debilitating, causing you pain with almost everything you do. The longer you let it go, the more damage can be caused. A chiropractor can not only relieve the pain but also prevent future flare-ups.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is the medical term for pain that is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest and the widest nerve in the body that runs from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down each leg to the feet. This pain is many times concentrated in either the lower right or left lower back, where the hip meets the back. This pain can run down one or the other leg all the way to the foot.
What Causes Sciatica
Sciatica can be caused by an underlying condition, or it can be caused by a simple sneeze, or twisting the wrong way. Other reasons for sciatica include:
- A herniated lumbar disc
- Spinal Stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Osteoarthritis
- Diabetes
The Symptoms of Sciatica
The symptoms of sciatica radiate along the sciatic nerve, down the leg to the foot. Sciatica can include some or all of the following symptoms:
- Pain: Can be a constant burning sensation or shooting pain that starts on the left or right side of where you back meets your hip. This pain can radiate down the front or back of the thigh, leg, and the foot on the affecting side.
- Numbness: The pain can be accompanied by numbness in the back of the thigh or hamstring area behind the knee.
- Weakness: Muscular atrophy can occur with damage to the sciatic nerve. This can result in the loss of muscles mass of the thigh and or calf, which can make walking difficult.
These symptoms are usually confined to one or the other leg, and rarely does it affect both legs at the same time.
How a Chiropractor Can Help
If sciatica is not taken care of soon, it can cause the other side to become injured. This can occur because as time goes on, you start to favor the injured side. This can put pressure on the uninjured side, causing it to also become inflamed or injured. A chiropractor can help relieve the pain of sciatica, start the healing process, and prevent further sciatica flare-ups. When you visit a chiropractor, you will be examined to find the cause of sciatica. Once this has been determined, a chiropractor will apply the proper treatment. Many times, an inflamed sciatic nerve can occur because your spine has become unaligned. This can cause pain throughout your back, shoulders, neck, head, and sciatic nerve injury. An adjustment to your spine is the most common treatment for sciatica. Through manual pressure and spinal adjustments, a chiropractor can align your spine which can relieve the pain and prevent further sciatic nerve damage. If the pain has been caused by pressure on the vertebral discs, the chiropractor can also use spinal decompression therapy. This procedure is a gentle stretching of the spine that creates more space between discs. This relieves pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Other Ways a Chiropractor Can Relieve Sciatica
A chiropractor can help relieve the pain of sciatica, and also keep it from flaring up in the future through a variety of healing treatments.
- Acupuncture: This treatment can increase blood to the injured area, which helps you to heal. It also helps to relax the muscles reducing spasms and pain.
- Cupping: A non-invasive practice that will reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, remove toxins, and relieve pain from sciatica.
- An exercise program: Avoiding activity for too long can lead to more pain and flare-ups. A chiropractor will give you an exercise program to strengthen the lower back, buttocks, and core muscles. Strengthening this area will prevent future injuries and flare-ups.
Healing Sciatica
Do you avoid physical activities, or are you afraid that the next time you sneeze you will end up in pain again? You don’t have to suffer from the symptoms of sciatica. A chiropractor can help you get back to enjoying life again. If you have back pain or the symptoms of sciatica, contact us at 205-637-1363.
