Millions of Americans suffer from debilitating back pain each and every year. Back pain can be the result of poor posture or more serious medical conditions. One of the major causes of back pain is sciatica.
What is Sciatica?
The largest nerve in the human body is the sciatic nerve. It originates in the lumbar region of the spine, at the base of the back, and travels through the buttocks, legs, and all the way down to the feet. The sciatic nerve incorporates many smaller nerves, which can in turn deeply affect this larger nerve.
The term sciatica does not allude to a distinct disease or condition. Rather, it encompasses a wide range of symptoms that can be caused by irritation or damage to any of the nerves relating to the sciatic nerve. Each individual may experience sciatica symptoms differently.
Some symptoms may include:
- Moderate to severe pain originating in the lower back and shooting down the buttock into the leg.
- Numbness or weakness in the lower back, buttock, leg or feet.
- Pain that worsens with movement, or even loss of movement.
- “Pins and needles” feeling, especially in the legs, toes or feet.
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What Causes Sciatica?
The cause of this radiating nerve pain is due to the nerve being pinched in some way.
The most common culprit of sciatic pain is herniated or collapsed discs in the lower back. Bone spurs are another common cause of a pinched sciatic nerve.
Unfortunately, many Americans have been more greatly affected by sciatica since the COVID-19 pandemic has called for more work-from-home practices to be put into place. A sedentary lifestyle generates the exact conditions that are needed to create sciatica issues.
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Sciatica Treatments
Chiropractic Therapy
Chiropractors use a number of techniques to alleviate back pain caused by sciatica. One such technique is manual manipulation. This technique improves the alignment of the spine. Manual manipulation helps address any underlying conditions that cause sciatic nerve pain, such as herniated discs.
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Massage Therapy
Some forms of massage therapy, such as deep tissue massage, could offer relief from sciatic pain.
The benefits of massage therapy include:
- Improving blood circulation, which improves the body’s healing response
- Relaxing tight muscles. (Tight muscles could contribute to pain)
- Releasing endorphins, which are our body’s natural pain relievers
Exercise
Strengthening, stretching, and aerobic conditioning are all key components of any sciatica treatment plan.
The goals of exercises for sciatica include:
- Strengthen the spine and muscles of the lower back, abdomen, buttocks, and hip.
- Increase core strength
- Stretch tight and inflexible muscles, such as hamstrings
How Long Does Sciatica Last? It Doesn’t Have to Last Long
With a commitment to proper treatment, sciatica should start to improve within four to six weeks. Keep in mind that each case varies greatly, so how long sciatica lasts depends on many individual factors. Your sciatica symptoms could last longer than six weeks or they could subside much sooner than four weeks.
Consult your physician to formulate a plan of care that will best suit your individual needs. Dr. Scott and Jessica Rosner, our in-house chiropractors are always happy to discuss treatments for sciatica or other pain management needs!