Your Guide to Sciatica: The Problem and the Answer
By Genevieve Cunningham
Sciatica. Maybe you’ve heard of it. Maybe you know someone who has suffered from it. Maybe it’s just a word that you’ve heard before, but you don’t really understand what it is. Any way you slice it, if you haven’t suffered from sciatica on a personal level, you probably don’t understand its huge impact on overall life and general wellness. Sciatica hurts -- plain and simple. And perhaps the worst part is that finding relief can often feel impossible. So what can you do? If you or someone you know is suffering from this painful problem, take a look at the ins and outs of dealing with it and finding relief.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a more generic term than most realize. It encompasses a wide variety of pains that stem from pressure on the sciatic nerve. Most of the time, it causes a stabbing or needling pain in the lower back and leg, or it may even cause a bit of numbness. The pain might come and go, but when it is present, many find that completing any activity -- even simple waking -- can be downright excruciating.
Why is It Such a Problem?
Sciatica is a problem because the pain is massive. For most people, it’s not just a slight pain or a mild form of the ailment. It’s big pain. It’s debilitating pain. It’s the kind of pain that makes it difficult to walk, much less to carry on with the tasks of the day. Sciatica causes major suffering, and without treatment, the pain only grows. This is especially troublesome if you like to be active and involved in life. The more pain, the harder it is to enjoy all that life has to offer.
What Form of Relief is Available?
Finding relief for sciatica is really tough. In some cases, simple stretches or exercises -- given to you by your doctor -- might ease the tension on the nerve, and therefore reduce the pain. Some people might also take pain relievers, but these are only temporary, as they do little to reduce the tension on the nerve. A great way to treat sciatica might be to see a chiropractor. Chiropractors might be able to gently manipulate the body to relieve the pressure off of the sciatic nerve. This releases that tension, and then eliminates the pain. Those who choose this route and keep the visits as a part of their normal schedule might find that regular care is the perfect way to treat and manage sciatica long-term.
If you would like to try chiropractic care for your sciatica, or for any other issues in your life, check out The Joint Chiropractic. At The Joint, getting care is easier than ever before. Just use their walk-in visits and affordable pricing to get quality care without the hassle. Sciatica is a real problem for far too many people. Get a little relief and a boost in health beginning with a stop at The Joint as soon as today.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Austin, Tex.