Conditions
What does sciatica pain feel like? Sciatica is radiating symptoms from the lower back down into the leg or foot and is usually felt only on one side of the body. There are many different ways people describe this kind of pain, depending on its cause. Sciatica often manifests as a sharp, shooting, or jolting, intense pain. Others experience weakness and/or numbness in the lower extremity or worse, a stabbing or burning sensation.
When your pain subsides over time, it’s considered mild sciatica. However, if you find that the self-care measures or home remedies haven’t been effective or experience a progression of the symptoms despite these treatments, then seek care.
The primary cause of sciatica is the irritation, inflammation or impingement on the nerve that starts at the lower back and shoots down to the leg. This nerve is specifically the large sciatic nerve.
Other conditions that cause sciatica are as follows:
Sciatica is commonly caused by a herniated or “slipped disc” that causes compression on the nerve root. This condition can be caused by a new injury to the disc, in which the disc tears or a degenerative process over time as aging occurs.
A vertebra slips and becomes misaligned with the one above it, causing a constriction of the opening through which the nerve exits. Consequently, the sciatic nerve is impinged by the extended spinal bone. Spondylolisthesis can be debilitating, sometimes causing the patient to lose feeling in their feet and legs.
Piriformis muscle is a small muscle that’s located deep in the buttocks. Once this muscle contracts, it compresses and aggravates the sciatic nerve. This is also considered a rare neuromuscular disorder.
Through aging or wear and tear, the joints become more arthritic, causing narrowing of the hole where the nerves exit from. This can cause compression of the nerve.
Sciatica is characterized by distinct and often debilitating symptoms, primarily affecting one side of the body. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it might be time to consider if sciatica is affecting your quality of life:
Starting from the lower back (lumbar region), the pain extends down through the buttock and legs. This pain can vary in intensity from mild to severe and may manifest as a sharp, burning sensation or even excruciating discomfort.
You might feel a lack of sensation or a weakening in the muscles along the affected nerve pathway, including areas such as the lower back, buttock, leg, or feet.
Commonly described as “pins and needles,” these sensations can occur in the legs, toes, or feet, indicating nerve irritation or compression.
This type of pain is especially pronounced with actions like coughing, sneezing, or during prolonged periods of sitting, and can feel like a jolt or electric shock.
Pain and discomfort can be felt in the lower back, buttocks, thighs, and calves—anywhere along the nerve’s path.
Our professional team of providers and staff will provide you with the care that’s right for you.
Chiropractic care is an effective, non-invasive option for managing and alleviating the pain and discomfort associated with sciatica. By focusing on the alignment of the spine, chiropractors help to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, the root cause of most sciatica symptoms. Techniques such as spinal adjustments and manipulations restore spinal movement and improve the function of the nervous system, significantly reducing pain and enhancing mobility.
Additionally, chiropractors may incorporate a variety of supportive therapies tailored to each individual’s needs, including exercises for strengthening and stretching, massage therapy, and advice on posture and ergonomics. These comprehensive treatment plans not only address the immediate symptoms of sciatica but also promote long-term health, helping to prevent future episodes. Patients often experience a reduction in pain, increased flexibility, and an overall improvement in their quality of life following chiropractic care for sciatica.
Chiropractic care addresses the root cause of sciatica by focusing on the spinal adjustments that improve alignment, relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, and enhance nerve function. These adjustments help to reduce inflammation, muscle spasms, and other conditions that contribute to sciatica pain.
Chiropractors use a variety of methods to treat sciatica, including spinal manipulation, ice/cold therapy to reduce inflammation, ultrasound which delivers gentle heat deep into tissues to improve circulation and reduce muscle spasms, and TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) unit therapy to help manage acute pain by sending stimulating pulses across the surface of the skin and along nerve strands.
Some patients may experience immediate relief from sciatica symptoms following chiropractic adjustments, though individual experiences can vary. For others, a few sessions may be needed to gradually reduce the sciatic pain. The chiropractor will tailor the treatment plan based on the severity of the symptoms and the patient’s overall health.
During your first visit for sciatica, the chiropractor will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including a review of your medical history, a physical exam that may involve checking your spinal alignment, and testing your reflexes, muscle strength, and nerve function. Diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans may also be recommended to pinpoint the exact cause of the sciatic nerve irritation.
The duration of chiropractic treatment for sciatica can vary depending on the underlying cause of the pain and the severity of the symptoms. A typical treatment plan may range from a few weeks to several months, with adjustments becoming less frequent as the patient begins to improve. The chiropractor will provide a customized treatment plan after thorough initial evaluations.
Our professional team of providers and staff will provide you with the care that’s right for you.
N8 Family Chiropractic provides quality chiropractic and wellness services at each of our locations. Whether you are young or young at heart, we believe chiropractic care can help you.
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