Sciatic Nerve Pain and Treatment Options
By Stephen R. Farris
Did you know that sciatic pain can happen to just about anyone? According to studies, it can develop in athletes, as well as non-athletic individuals. It's also common to occur in people who are obese and those who have diabetes.
Sciatic pain usually happens in people between the ages of 30 and 60, with rare cases in younger folks. It can also be brought on due to underlying conditions such as a herniated disc, bone spurs, joint dysfunction, or from other back related conditions.
Cases of sciatic pain can vary from mild to extremely painful. Usually the pain starts in the lower back and resonates down into the hip area and sometimes further to the lower leg. You might feel numbness, tingling sensations, and/or muscle weakness, depending on the severity of your sciatic pain condition.
In most cases, sciatic nerve pain can be treated through hot and cold therapy, which may be recommended by your chiropractor, physical therapist, or primary physician. Your chiropractor can provide adjustments to your spine that can help ease or in some instances, eliminate the pain. These are natural methods to deal with sciatic pain.
Other ways to help reduce your chances of developing sciatic nerve pain, or to improve your condition if you already have it, is to make sure you're keeping your muscles in and around the lower back area strong, such as:
- Improving your core and back strength
- Making sure your hip and hamstrings are flexible
These areas can be strengthened and maintained through simple stretching exercises, and/or light weight training.
Always remember, before starting any exercise or weight training, make sure to check with your local chiropractor or primary physician to see if you're healthy enough to do them. One more thing to keep in mind when stretching or exercising, is when you feel pain -- more than usual -- you should stop and consult with your local chiropractor or primary physician as soon as possible. They may have other methods you can try for your condition.
If you're looking for a chiropractor, check out The Joint Chiropractic. With more than 500 nationwide locations, there's probably one near you. No appointment is necessary, and walk-ins are always welcome to come in and consult with any one of their highly trained, board certified chiropractors on staff. You also don't have to worry about insurance or co-pays, as The Joint Chiropractic offers several treatment options to fit any budget.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Arlington, Tex.