
The Facts About Sciatica
Sciatica is not for sissies. From numbness and tingling to stinging and weakness this condition is triggered when the body’s biggest nerve gets irritated. Pain is often felt in the lower back and buttocks, but it’s not uncommon for pain to shoot down the leg and into the foot. Not only is sciatica painful, it can also lead to loss of feeling in the affected leg.
To make matters worse, this isn’t always a short-term condition. Sciatica sufferers can live with the pain and discomfort for up to six weeks—or longer! Pain may get worse during long periods of standing or long walks. It often increases at night, making sciatica a common cause of insomnia. If you want to find a sciatica treatment plan that works, you’ll need to know the facts:
Sciatica is a symptom of another condition.
It’s common to think of this condition as a stand-alone problem, when in reality it’s a sign that something else is going on inside the body. For example, injury to a spinal disc can trigger sciatic pain. The narrowing of the spinal canal, known as stenosis, is another cause. Usually brought on by aging, this chronic condition can inflame the sciatic nerve.
You may also be sitting on the cause of your sciatica. Sitting on a wallet tucked into the back pocket creates an imbalance in the spine, which, in turn, causes muscle spasms that irritate the sciatic nerve.
Professional chiropractors can relieve sciatica.
Research supports chiropractic care’s effectiveness in treating sciatica. An Italian study, for example, demonstrated that after spinal manipulations, 55% of patients were free of radiating pain flare ups and 28% of patients had no more localized pain. The chiropractic patients also reported fewer days spent in pain and discomfort.
Sciatica, you’ll remember, is triggered by pressure on the sciatic nerve. By relieving the pressure, you relieve the sciatica. Spinal adjustments performed by licensed chiropractors free the restricted bones and joints, allowing the body to function the way nature intended. For instance, he or she may apply manual pressure to muscles to help alleviate tension. Some professionals may also use ultrasound therapy and electrical stimulation to increase circulation and reduce spasms.
Remember, if your chiropractor’s evaluation reveals the sciatica is being caused by a serious medical condition, he or she will recommend you see a medical doctor; otherwise, you can expect your Doctor of Chiropractic to provide drug-free, surgery free relief that allows you to get back to living life.
Now, get off that wallet and call a professional chiropractor today!
For a FREE SCIATIC RELIEF CONSULTATION, CALL 770-817-0833 Today!!
Your Lawrenceville Chiropractor,
Dr. James Roman