Most people will experience some form of lower back pain at some point in their lives. The causes of this kind of pain have proven diverse and can vary based on multiple factors. Sciatica represents a common ailment affecting up to 40% of people, meaning there’s a significant chance that it could affect you if it hasn’t already. When dealing with this type of lower back pain, you want to know everything you can about the condition, from the symptoms to the underlying causes to how to treat your condition best and prevent it in the future. Community Chiropractic Center is here to help answer all of your questions about sciatica — and maybe even some you haven’t thought of yet.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica stems from irritation or pressure placed upon the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve starts in your lower back and runs down your glute and the length of your leg. Fortunately, sciatica tends to only affect one side of your body at a time, so you would still be able to walk without any severe issues while suffering from the condition.
What Causes Sciatica?
As previously mentioned, sciatica is caused when the sciatic nerve experiences prolonged irritation or pressure. Generally, this irritation traces back to either a herniated disk in your spine or the development of a bone spur. In extreme cases, the pain can be caused by a tumor’s growth or damage related to a disease, such as diabetes.
Potential Risk Factors
While anyone can develop sciatica over their life, certain factors can make someone more susceptible to the condition than others. These risk factors include:
- Age-related changes in your spine
- Stress on your spine from obesity
- Jobs where you spend most of the day in a seated and hunched position
- Diabetes affecting the way your body handles blood sugar
Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica pain presents itself as mild to severe pain that radiates from your lower back down a particular side of your leg. The pain can range from sharp jolts of pain to instances of “burning,” “electric,” or “stabbing” sensations. The pain can be persistent or come in waves; every case is different. Typically, sciatica will only affect one leg at a time, but some cases have shown that it can occur in both legs; however, it’s a rare occurrence.
Sciatica Treatment Options
One of the potential best combinations to treat sciatica is a blend of at-home self-care treatments and working with a trained sciatic nerve pain chiropractor. On the self-care front, stretches, walking, and the application of ice and heat packs have been shown to help alleviate the pain associated with sciatica. Additionally, regular chiropractic visits can potentially reduce the amount of pressure and irritation on your sciatic nerve. Through a series of gentle spinal manipulations, you can begin to feel the lower back pain relief you desire.
If you are currently experiencing sciatica symptoms and want to explore your treatment options, we can help! Contact Community Chiropractic Center to schedule your next appointment, and let us help you get the relief you need.
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