Sciatica

Sciatica

Harvard Medical School estimates that as many as 40% of adults suffer from sciatica at some point in their lives. There are many ways to treat this common back pain. Back and Neck Care Center of North County in Florissant, MO looks at the facts about sciatica.

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What Is Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve is a major nerve that extends from your lower back down your legs. Damage or narrowing of the spine leads to it pressing onto the nerve, causing sciatica.

Sciatica Symptoms

Symptoms usually happen on one side of the body. They include sciatic nerve pain, ranging from aches to very sharp pains. The pain worsens if you move suddenly, such as when you sneeze. Parts of the leg may feel numb or tingle. The affected leg is often too weak to stand or walk on. In severe cases, people can’t walk or become incontinent.

How Long Does Sciatica Last?

The length of time people suffer from sciatica differs from person to person. Some people have it for just a few weeks, while others have to deal with it for the rest of their lives. Many pregnant women get sciatica because the extra weight presses against the sciatic nerve. The symptoms usually go away once the baby is born.

Diagnosing Sciatica

The symptoms of sciatica are similar to other problems like bursitis, herniated discs, or a pinched nerve. It’s important to get your pain diagnosed by a doctor or chiropractor so you can get on the right path to treatment. You may need to do some physical tests in the office or get imaging tests like an X-ray.

Risk Factors for Sciatica

People who are most prone to getting sciatica have had injuries or illnesses of the spine, are overweight, sit most of the day, smoke, and are usually over 30. Diabetics are also prone to not only sciatica but other nerve pain.

Chiropractic Care for Sciatica

A chiropractor can do many things for people with sciatica. The spine is gently manipulated to put less pressure on the sciatic nerve. The posture is worked on to help reduce pain. Electrical muscle stimulation, or e-stim, can help relax muscles and reduce pain. Chiropractors can also help sciatica patients find safe exercises to help them lose weight and reduce symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes

Sciatica treatment works better when changes are made to reduce the chances of attacks. These include losing weight, quitting smoking, and exercising more. The good news is that these changes help with sciatica and many other health problems.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Chiropractor in Florissant, MO for Sciatic Nerve Pain Treatment

There’s no need to suffer from sciatica nerve pain. If you live in the Florissant, MO area, contact Back and Neck Care Center of North County by calling (314) 838-2220 to make an appointment today.

 

 

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