How to Treat Your Sciatic Nerve Pain Naturally
Sometimes lower back pain isn’t what you expect it to be. The source of the pain could be coming from a place other than the back muscles, and actually be emanating from a nerve that runs from your lower back, through your buttock and into your calf area. This nerve is called the sciatic nerve, and can cause pain in the lower back when it is inflamed, resulting in a condition called sciatica.
The pain most commonly arises when the nerve is irritated due to conditions such as a herniated disk. Sciatica includes pain that shoots from the back into the glutes, leg and even, in some cases, the foot. It can feel like a dull ache or increase into a burning sensation. Sometimes there is tingling and numbness involved. Sciatica usually gradually gets worse, not better, with pain increasing with movement.
In order to get a proper diagnosis it is necessary to see your doctor. Usually an examination will include questions about any past injuries, bowel or bladder problems, recent weight loss and cancer history. The spine and legs will then be looked at to check for problems in the spinal column and the surrounded nerves, determined through a series of strength, reflex and flexibility tests. However, even though these examinations are performed, most diagnosis’ are based on symptoms since most people suffering with sciatica have normal test results.
Those with sciatica can eventually see the disorder go away on its own with extended rest. It typically lasts for around six weeks, however sometimes extreme cases can continue on for up to 3 months, if not longer.
If you are suffering from chronic sciatic nerve pain it may be necessary to seek treatment. Chiropractic treatment has been shown to improve symptoms and treat the pain at its source. Spinal adjustments are able to fix vertebral subluxations, otherwise known as blockages in the spine. By correcting these spinal dysfunctions, the nervous system is able to flow more freely, correcting the flow of energy throughout the body. When the spine is manipulated, the body-brain connection is able to communicate at its optimal level, allowing the body to heal itself as it normally would. This allows overall pain levels to decrease, including pain being produced by the sciatic nerve.
Chiropractic is a low-risk treatment that is ideal for all age groups. It is seen as a natural treatment, not requiring the use of any addictive pain medications. Even if you are not currently experiencing sciatica, seeking the help of chiropractic care is a great way to prevent injuries from ever occurring.