Back pain—ugh! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 3 million Americans go to the emergency department every year to seek treatment for back pain symptoms (cdc.gov, 2016). Sciatica is one of those conditions that causes tremendous back pain.
Sciatica is a condition that can arise gradually over time, or it can occur overnight from the inflammation of an injury. In either case, the symptoms all point to one issue: Impingement or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is one of the largest nerves in the lower half of the body that extends from the lower back to the feet. This condition is a big issue because it can disrupt a person’s daily habits. For instance, sitting in a chair at work can be very painful with sciatica because the burning, tingling, and numbness travel down the leg, which makes the leg uncomfortable to bend. At the same time, the constant pain can even make it difficult to stand up from the sitting position. “Sciatica is not a diagnosis but a description of symptoms. Anything that places pressure on one or more of the lumbar nerve roots can cause pain in parts or all of the sciatic nerve” (umm.edu, 2017).
If you have back pain as a result of sciatic nerve pain, depending on your condition, a chiropractor may be able to help you find some relief. Call your local chiropractor today and schedule an appointment.
In many instances, a person may be the cause of further irritation to the sciatica symptoms based on their daily activities. For example, lying in bed all day because of pain may actually worsen symptoms, and not seeking treatment in hopes that it will “cure itself” may cause other conditions to arise without a person knowing what’s going on in their body. Unfortunately, other factors can also contribute to the building of an easily irritated sciatic nerve. Factors such as excess weight, irregular or improper exercise, unusual sleeping positions and mattresses, and even improper footwear can produce and worsen symptoms.
A chiropractor can review medical history and physically examine a person to determine where the sciatic pain is and to decide on the best treatment. X-rays and MRI images may also help a chiropractor determine where to begin treatment or even if chiropractic care is right for the patient. Chiropractic care focuses on parts of the spine and the associated environment that are causing pain to improve spinal movement and nerve functionality.
If you have back pain as a result of sciatic nerve pain, depending on your condition, a chiropractor may be able to help you find some relief. Call your local chiropractor today and schedule an appointment.
