Sciatica can be a recurring problem that affects your daily life. Symptoms can undermine your ability to perform daily tasks and can disturb your sleep. Chiropractic care offers a drug-free, non-invasive method of dealing with sciatica. A few facts about sciatic nerve pain and its treatment will help you to find relief from uncomfortable sciatica symptoms.
What Causes Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body, running from the lower spine, into the pelvis and down the backs of the legs. Sciatica symptoms can be a result of a herniated disc in the spine that compresses the nerve, by obesity or pregnancy pressing on the nerve or by diabetes that damages nerves in the body. If you have an occupation that causes you to sit for long periods, you may develop sciatic nerve pain. Aging can cause the growth of bone spurs, which can press on the sciatic nerve. Injury to the back or leg can cause sciatic nerve symptoms.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatic symptoms usually involve pain on one side of the body that can affect the lower back, buttocks, thigh or can run down the back of the leg into the foot. Discomfort may come and go or may be constant. There may be numbness, tingling or a pins-and-needles sensation. Sitting for long periods may make the discomfort worse. Changing position may cause sudden sharp pain. You may experience weakness in the affected leg. Lying down may make the discomfort worse. The discomfort may disturb your sleep. Sciatic nerve dysfunction can become so severe, it causes loss of bowel or bladder control.
Chiropractic Methods For Relieving Sciatic Nerve Pain and Numbness
Chiropractic care can be an effective method for relieving sciatic nerve pain and numbness in the leg. A number of techniques may be used to help relieve symptoms. Your chiropractor will do a thorough evaluation and will design a plan that best suits your needs. Manual adjustment may be done to re-align spinal structures that may be compressing the nerve. Heat therapy may be applied to relieve discomfort. Corrective exercises can improve muscle function to relieve pressure on the nerve. Electrostimulation helps to improve circulation and reduce nerve pain.
Omni Wellness Offers Help For Sciatica and Other Conditions
Dr. Boyle uses her extensive training in chiropractic and functional medicine to help patients in San Luis Obispo and surrounding areas enjoy better health and function. We treat many conditions that affect mobility, balance, comfort and quality of life. Contact our office to learn more about managing your sciatica symptoms.
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