Those who experience back and leg pain will typically start to do a bit of research and find that sciatica is a common issue. Whether you have been diagnosed with sciatica or simply want to be prepared, it can help to learn about sciatica.
What Is Sciatica?
The term sciatica is used to describe pain radiating along the sciatic nerve’s path. This nerve goes from the lower back and down the legs, passing through the hips and buttocks. In most cases, sciatica will just affect a single side.
Symptoms Of Sciatica
Sometimes sciatica will feel as if you have a bad leg cramp with sharp, electrical pain. The cramp may last a long time, such as weeks, before disappearing. It is common to experience pain when coughing, sneezing, or moving as well as a burning or tingling feeling, weakness, numbness, or the feeling of pins and needles down the leg. The pain varies greatly between patients with descriptions ranging from excruciating pain and a burning sensation to a mild ache.
Causes Of Sciatica
In most cases, sciatica is simply the result of regular wear and tear associated with aging. If any sudden pressure affects the disks cushioning your vertebrae in the lower spine, this can also have an impact. Sciatica typically occurs if a bone spur, herniated disk, or your spine narrowing compresses a portion of the nerve.
You are at a higher risk of developing sciatica as you get older. The risk is higher for those who sit for long periods at a time, are obese, have diabetes, or do a job that requires twisting, driving a motor vehicle over long times, or carrying heavy loads.
Pregnancy is also a trigger for sciatica. The weight and position of the baby can press on the nerve. It is often fixed when the baby is delivered – but meanwhile Dr. Cheree can help make you feel better!
Treatment For Sciatica
There are a wide range of treatments for sciatica that are recommended based on the patient’s unique situation, including their symptoms and the severity of them. Most of the time, chiropractic care is the most effective treatment! Schedule an appointment if you think sciatica causing your pain!
