The Relationship between the Sciatic Nerve, Sciatica, and Back Pain

If you experience chronic lower back pain that lasts for 4 to 6 weeks or longer, the cause could be sciatica. The relationship between sciatica and backaches can be a challenging one to understand. Sciatica is a complication where the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back to the feet, is compressed or irritated. One of the best ways to treat sciatica is through chiropractic care. At The Disc Doctors in Latham, NY, we offer treatments that can help relieve your discomfort and enjoy daily activities without pain.

Overview of Sciatica

The sciatic nerve controls the actions of the muscles behind the thighs and lower legs. Sciatica is often characterized by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg due to irritation or pressure to the associated nerve. You should know that sciatica is not a medical condition itself, but rather a symptom of another medical problem.

Causes of Sciatica

 The most prevalent causes of the compression or irritation of the nerve that results in sciatica are: 

• Spinal stenosis (the narrowing of the spaces in the spine)
• Herniated or slipped disk
• Piriformis syndrome (pain in the narrow muscles of the buttock)
• Tumors
• Pelvic fracture or injury

Risk Factors That Can Cause Sciatica

You are at a higher risk of developing sciatica if you are: 

• 30 to 50 years old with age-related changes in the spine, such as bone spurs
• Obese, as the excess weight causes pressure to the spine
• Work a job that involves repeated twisting of the back or carrying heavy loads
• Prolonged sitting, such as driving a vehicle for an extended period or working a desk job
• Diabetic, as the disease increases the risk of nerve damage

Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica often causes pain which can manifest anywhere in the nerve’s pathway. Most commonly, it occurs in the lower back and travels down the buttocks into the thighs to the feet. The pain can range from a mild ache to strikingly sharp. You can also feel discomfort in one part of the leg and numbness and tingling in the other. The pain will often intensify whenever you cough or sneeze.

Sciatica typically affects one side of the body. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s vital you visit our chiropractor for examination and treatment. 

Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatica

After an accurate diagnosis of sciatica, our chiropractor can recommend the following treatments: 

• Chiropractic massage therapy to relieve muscle tension and pain
• Heat and cold therapies to reduce inflammation and increase blood flow
• Ultrasound and related modalities to help with healing and relieve pain
• Chiropractic adjustments to correct herniated and misaligned vertebral discs
• Spinal decompression to relieve nerve compression
• Chiropractic exercises to strengthen core muscles
• Lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, to speed up recovery

Visit Us for Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatica

Our chiropractor at The Disc Doctors in Latham, NY, has years of experience addressing various musculoskeletal complications with chiropractic care. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you relieve your sciatica pain and the advantages of chiropractic treatment.