Sciatic pain can hit out of nowhere and be debilitating. The good news is there are ways to treat sciatica without pain killers or surgery. Read on for signs of sciatica and how chiropractic can help.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a common condition that can result in back, leg or hip pain. It is caused by either tight muscles or protrusion of discs putting pressure on portions of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is easily diagnosed by a chiropractor or medical professional.
What are some signs of sciatica?
The main sign of sciatica is sharp pain that either passes quickly or remains. This sharp pain is felt in either the lower back, hip, buttocks, or down the side of the leg. The pain may become worse with sitting and can also be accompanied by tingling, weakness, or numbness of the leg. Sometimes the pain can be so sudden and intense that it is hard to move or walk.
What can cause sciatica to flare up?
People that have very physical jobs may be more prone to sciatica than others. However, desk jobs where you sit most of the day can cause sciatic pain as well. It is important to stretch and maintain proper posture as much as possible while at work to avoid possible sciatic flare-ups.
How can chiropractic care help sciatica?
Because sciatica is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, your chiropractor is an essential part of obtaining relief. Chiropractic adjustments can realign your spine, taking pressure off the nerve that may be caused by discs or vertebrae. Massaging the muscles surrounding the nerve can also alleviate sciatic pressure. Besides adjustments and massage, your chiropractor may recommend certain exercises at home to alleviate sciatic pain.
If you’re experiencing pain caused by sciatica, come see us at Posture Doc right away. The sooner you begin your treatment, the sooner you’ll experience relief.