Sciatica describes the symptoms of leg pain that start in the lower back, travel through the buttock and down the sciatic nerve located in the back of each leg. If you’re dealing with sciatica or issues related to it, then it’s important to note the relationship between sciatic and chiropractic care.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is a symptom of an underlying condition-one caused by back problems like degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis, for example. This symptom is characterized by its own symptoms, which include constant pain on one side of the buttock or leg, pain that is worsened when sitting, leg pain associated with burning, tingling or searing, weakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg, sharp pain that impairs walking and/or pain radiating down the leg into the foot and toes. Pain associated with sciatica can be severe for many patients, while in others it is more infrequent yet still irritating.
What causes sciatica?
Sciatica can occur when the discs of the spinal bones of the lower back bulge (often a result of trauma), which crowds nearby nerves and causes irritation. Additional causes include:
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolistheseis
- Pregnancy
- Muscle spasms in the back or rear
How can chiropractic care help?
Chiropractic care can help sciatica symptoms by restoring the way your spine works through adjustments and in turn, reducing nerve irritation. Adjustments have proven to be successful in helping relieve sciatica patients of their pain. Rather than jumping to painkillers as a solution, chiropractic care has the ability to address pain in different ways, including heat, manipulation, massage and even acupuncture. Sciatica and chiropractic care can go hand-in-hand in addressing your pain and providing relief. If you want to learn more about sciatica and chiropractic care, contact Advantage Chiropractic Clinic to set up a consultation today. Call us at 334-821-2552 to set up an appointment!