If you experience shooting pain that spreads from your lower back or hips through your buttocks and down one or both legs, you may have sciatica. Our experts at the Chiropractic Centers of Drs. Campanella & Olivacz have put together the answers to these frequently asked questions to help you find the right treatment. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica describes a variety of symptoms. Typically, it is pain that occurs on one side of the body and spreads from the lower back down. However, sciatic nerve pain affects different individuals in unique ways. Make an appointment with our chiropractor to determine the best chiropractic care for your symptoms.
What Causes Sciatica?
Like many other health issues, sciatica is a complex condition. The actual pain is caused by compression on the sciatic nerve. But, what causes that? Bone spurs and herniated discs may. However, poor posture can also aggravate sciatica as can acute injuries, repetitive motions, and nerve damage. Our team can recommend lifestyle changes for sciatic pain due to repetitive motion or poor posture.
What Is the Sciatic Nerve?
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It runs from your lower back down your legs. Pressure, injury, and other events can compromise it. A damaged sciatic nerve usually causes pain to radiate from your hips down one side of your body. However, it sometimes affects both legs.
What Are the Symptoms?
Sciatic nerve pain is often described as excruciating. If the pain worsens when you sit or stand and makes it impossible to walk comfortably, you may have sciatica. Keep in mind that your symptoms may not be the same as someone else suffering from the same condition.
Common symptoms include the following:
- Radiating pain that shoots down the back of the hips and legs
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the legs
- Pain that worsens when you bend, stand, sit, or twist
How Can Chiropractic Care Combat Nerve Pain?
Chiropractic care addresses the underlying cause of sciatica. Typically, this involves a herniated disc or pinched nerve. When a spinal disc becomes misaligned, it bulges out. This causes herniation that can place pressure on various nerves in your body. When it happens to a disc in your lower spine, it can result in sciatic nerve compression. Manual adjustments realign the spine, reducing pressure on the nerve. Our chiropractors will also add other treatments like flexion distraction, physical therapy, and more to maximize healing.
Contact Our Chiropractors for Sciatica Treatment and Near You
Visit our chiropractors to discuss the cause and symptoms of your sciatic nerve pain. With the right treatment, you can reduce your pain and regain control over your daily activities. Contact the Chiropractic Centers of Drs. Campanella & Olivacz today to schedule an appointment. Our offices are in Havre de Grace and North Park, MD.
