Chiropractic for Sciatica
By Amy Silva
Sciatica can be debilitating if it's severe. Even mild cases can make it difficult to get through the day because of discomfort when sitting, standing or walking. There are other times lying down is painful due to sciatic nerve pain that keeps you up during the night leaving you exhausted the following day. The good news is you may be able to prevent sciatica. If you're already suffering from it, you may find relief with the help of a chiropractor.
Symptoms and Causes of Sciatica
If you have sciatica, you'll most likely be able to diagnose it yourself even if you don't know what caused it. The pain of sciatica typically begins in the lower back and radiates down one leg. It can be described as a slightly annoying ache, a burning feeling or even sharp, stabbing pain that is so painful you can't focus on anything other than how bad it hurts. You may also experience numbness and symptoms could get worse over days or weeks.
The majority of sciatica is caused by a herniated disk. When a disk gets moved out of place it puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the body. This can happen to anyone, including those with physical jobs or even those who aren't active and sit most of the day. In fact, people who are inactive are at a higher risk than those who are active. Age is also a factor in who is likely to suffer from sciatica. Other causes include spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis or injuries, among others.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Sciatica
A chiropractor may be able to help ease sciatica pain depending on what caused it. They'll do an assessment to find out if it is sciatica, and they can give you tips on how to help ease pain at home. They can also use manual manipulation that could help provide relief from symptoms, as well as inform you of how you might be able to prevent sciatica from occurring again if you're at risk. These include maintaining correct posture and using proper lifting techniques.
Sciatica can't always be prevented, but there are things you can do to help minimize your chances of it happening. Being assessed by a chiropractor is a great first step towards finding relief. The chiropractors at The Joint are open evenings and weekends for your convenience, and no appointment is necessary.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aurora, Ill.