Have you ever felt an aching pain in your lower back that runs down to your leg, buttocks, and thighs? You’re not alone! Each year over three million Americans experience this condition known as sciatica – pain caused by a disruption in the sciatic nerve which is a large nerve that extends from the lower back and down the back of each leg.

At Burghealth Chiropractic & Wellness, we know this pain well, and we can help. In fact, ninety percent of people who suffer from sciatica can fully recover with chiropractic care techniques. Here we take a closer look at sciatica symptoms, causes, and how chiropractic care can help.  

Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica symptoms are fairly easy to pinpoint and can range anywhere from a tolerable ache to intense pain. The most common symptoms include:

·       Lower back pain

·       Pain in the buttocks and leg that gets worse when sitting

·       Hip pain

·       Intense, shooting pain down the leg

·       Pain on the side of your buttocks

Causes of Sciatica

From athletic injury to pregnancy pains, lifestyle choices, and more, there are many causes for sciatica. The most common include:

Lifestyle

Do you wear high heels all the time? Are you carrying some extra weight? Do you sit at a desk too long? Are you sleeping on a mattress that is too hard too soft? These are just a few lifestyle habits and choices that can trigger sciatic pain!

Piriformis Syndrome

The piriformis muscle connects the lower spine to the upper thighbone and runs directly over the sciatic nerve. When this muscle is compromised from inflammation, infection, or injury, it can spasm, and put pressure on the sciatic nerve. Individuals who suffer from piriformis syndrome typically experience pain and discomfort in the buttock area that can often radiate down into the lower leg.

Pregnancy

It is not uncommon for pregnant women to experience sciatica, especially during the late stages of pregnancy. This condition occurs when the uterus rests on the muscles of the lower back and pelvic floor. This spreads tension to the muscles of the upper and lower leg, causes the legs to swell, and adds pressure to the sciatic nerve.    

Degenerative Disc Disease

Also known as a herniated disc, this condition occurs when the discs that typically “cushion” the vertebrae break down. A normal, healthy disc has a gel-like center. When it becomes herniated, this center pushes through its outer lining and presses on the roots of the sciatic nerve.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis, a condition that occurs from the natural wear and tear of the vertebrae, is commonly found in adults ages 60 and over. As the vertebrae lose its protective barrier, the spinal cord narrows and puts pressure on the roots of the sciatic nerve.

Treating Pain Caused by Sciatica  

Those who suffer from sciatica can initially treat the pain with rest, stretching, ice/heat, and over-the-counter medications. However, if the pain doesn’t go away after several weeks, you should consider other treatment options, one of which is chiropractic care.

Here are just a few ways chiropractic care relieves pain caused by sciatica:

·       Increases range of motion.

·       Prevents fibrotic adhesions.

·       Restores proper alignment.

·       Decreases pain frequency and intensity.

·       Removes inflammation.

·       Allows joints to heal properly.

·       Releases pressure off muscles or other structures that can compress the sciatic nerve.

Chiropractic care has been proven time and time again as a noninvasive form of treating sciatica. In fact, studies show sixty percent of sciatica patients experienced the same level of relief from chiropractic adjustments as patients who had surgery!

Burghealth Chiropractic & Wellness can relieve your sciatica pain!

If you are experiencing pain caused by sciatica and are interested in our chiropractic care services, please contact Burghealth Chiropractic & Wellness today at (727) 289-9148!