In this article, we’ll discuss sciatica, including its common symptoms, treatment options, and how chiropractic care may assist in managing this condition.
First, what is sciatica?
Sciatica refers to a condition where the sciatic nerve is affected, causing pain that runs up and down the leg and around the hips. The sciatic nerve is one of the longest nerves in the body, travelling from the lower back through the hip area and down each leg.
Sciatica often occurs when there is pressure on the nerve due to a herniated disc, an overgrowth of bone, or a spinal injury that pushes on the spinal nerve root. This pressure can cause inflammation, pain, numbness, and weakness in the hip area or as referred pain down the leg.
Sciatica symptoms
Now, many patients present to the clinic complaining about sciatica however the good news is that in a lot of cases they actually don’t have a clinical sciatica diagnosis. They may have inflammation around the hip joints, some lower back pain, or tight muscles or ligaments that are pressing on a nerve. However these cases don’t go as far as being a sciatica diagnosis, which makes it easy to treat.
In classic sciatica cases, common symptoms include pain that travels along the nerve pathway, typically from the lower back to the buttock, and down the back of the thigh and calf. The pain can range from mild to very sharp and burning. Sometimes, there might be jolts or electric shock sensations. Usually, only one side of the body is affected, where the nerve is pinched. Other symptoms may include numbness, tingling, and weakness, which can extend down the leg and into the foot.
Treatments for sciatica
It’s important to note that you should consult with a health practitioner or medical practitioner when self care measures don’t ease the symptoms, and if pain persists for more than a week, or if the pain is quite severe and is getting worse.
If you experience sudden numbness or muscle weakness in your leg, pain following a serious accident or injury such as a car accident or a bad fall, or if you develop bowel or bladder issues, it’s important to seek medical advice immediately.
Some different things that people often do to help alleviate symptoms of sciatica, or to help prevent it in the future, include regular exercise. Regular exercise keeps your joints moving, strengthens your back, and engages your core muscles. This is key to maintaining overall mobility and preventing injuries.
Another key treatment is to keep good posture when you’re sitting down. If you sit for a lot and pivot, you may have short or weak hip flexors. This is common in people who work in an office and sit down often. They get weak hip and lower back muscles and often experience pain.
Another good tip is to watch the biomechanics of your body, especially when lifting heavy objects. Lift with your legs, not your back. Hold the object close to your body, and avoid lifting and twisting or making sudden twisting movements that may result in injury.
What about chiropractic care for scoliosis?
When it comes to chiropractic care for sciatica and other musculoskeletal conditions, we often prescribe stretching and a chiropractic adjustment or mobilisation to a stuck area along your spine or to a stuck joint.
Chiropractors often prescribe specific exercises you can do at home to improve mobility and reduce pain. It usually takes a few visits to a health professional, like a chiropractor, before you get better. Because it relies on the underlying cause and diagnosis of the problem, chiropractic care is not always appropriate for sciatica.
Key points
- Sciatica is a condition where the sciatic nerve is affected, causing pain in the leg and around the hips.
- It often occurs due to pressure on the nerve due to a herniated disc, bone overgrowth, or a spinal injury.
- Regular exercise to keep joints moving, strengthen the back, and engage core muscles often help.
- In cases of sciatica and other musculoskeletal conditions, chiropractors often prescribe stretching and a chiropractic adjustment or mobilisation.
Disclaimer: This article is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.