Struggling With Sciatica? Not Sure What It Is? Here's What You Need To Know
Sciatica is a common condition that affects the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the legs. This condition can cause a variety of symptoms, including lower back pain, leg pain, numbness, and tingling. Sciatica can be caused by a variety of factors, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and muscle imbalances.
Symptoms Of Sciatica
The symptoms of sciatica can vary depending on the underlying cause of the condition. Common symptoms include:
- Lower back pain
- Leg pain, especially in the back of the thigh and down the leg
- Numbness or tingling in the legs
- Weakness in the legs
- Difficulty moving or standing
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to get a proper diagnosis.
Chiropractic care is safe and effective, non-surgical relief from sciatica nerve pain.
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg.
Typically, symptoms are felt only on one side of the body. Patients often mistake sciatica for a disorder; however, the term is referring only to the symptoms of a larger problem.
What Causes Sciatica?
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of sciatica. Some of the most common causes include:
- Herniated discs: When the soft, cushioned discs between the vertebrae in the spine become herniated, they can press on the sciatic nerve, causing pain and other symptoms.
- Spinal stenosis: This condition occurs when the spaces in the spine become narrowed, which can also put pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Muscle imbalances: When certain muscles in the back and legs become tight or weak, they can cause the spine to become misaligned, which can lead to sciatica.
What you need to know about experiencing freedom from sciatica.
Sciatica is commonly caused by a bulging disk, narrowing of the spine, or a bone spur that is compressing part of the nerve.
This causes inflammation that can result in numbness or a tingling sensation in the affected leg, and lower back pain.
Symptoms of sciatica can worsen after prolonged periods of standing or sitting, making it difficult for many patients who suffer to perform at work comfortably.
What this means is that there is a single nerve or multiple nerves emerging from your lower back that have become irritated or possibly pinched. This often results in the patient suffering from pain, numbness or tingling in the specific area of your leg that is supplied by the irritated nerve.
The term "Sciatica" is often used to describe this condition because most (but not all) "lumbar radiculopathies" cases impact or involve the sciatic nerve which supplies the back & outside of your thigh and calf. Symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy can be varied but most suffer from some form of a dull ache to a constant severe sharp shooting pain. In some cases, you may find that your symptoms are aggravated by certain positions or movements.
At Crist Chiropractic, we offer a variety of treatments to help alleviate sciatica pain and help improve your overall health.
If you're experiencing sciatica pain, schedule an appointment with us today.
Our experienced chiropractor will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve optimal health and wellness.