In this post, we’re going to explain everything you need to know about sciatica and how to get relief.
We’ll also describe how chiropractic care can help alleviate the symptoms and set you on the road to recovery.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain relating to the sciatic nerve. You actually have two sciatic nerves, one on either side of the body. These nerves are the longest and thickest nerves in the body, and they run from the hip and buttock areas and down the leg to just below the knee.
When the sciatic nerve is injured or irritated, it can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from mild to debilitating, usually on one side of the body only.
In moderate to severe cases, sciatic pain and discomfort can impact your mobility and ability to get on with simple everyday tasks.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Common symptoms of sciatica include:
- Pain (sciatic nerve pain may feel like an electric shock or burning sensation and radiate down the leg on the affected side)
- Pins and needles
- Numbness
Rarer, and more serious, symptoms include:
- Muscle weakness
- Urinary or faecal incontinence
Causes of Sciatica
There are many triggers of sciatica. They include:
- A bulging disc
- Spinal stenosis (when the space around your spinal cord reduces)
- Osteoarthritis
- Injury
- Pregnancy
- Tumour
- Cyst
Who Is At Risk of Sciatica?
There are certain factors that increase your risk of developing sciatica. These include:
- Being overweight
- Having an injury to the lower back (previous or current)
- Poor posture
- Being physically inactive
- Doing a lot of lifting or bending
- Living with type 2 diabetes
How Can Chiropractic Care Help with Sciatica?
One treatment option that works well for sciatica is chiropractic care. We know this because a review that looked at studies of chiropractic care found that it was effective in relieving various types of pain, including sciatica (1).
So what happens at your chiropractic care appointment? Your chiropractor will start by talking to you about your medical history and your current issue. This helps them devise a treatment plan customised to your needs.
They will then draw on a number of different treatment techniques to find one, or more, that suits your condition.
These include manual manipulation techniques, which aim to mobilise the joints using gentle pressure or remedial massage to ease tense muscles around the site of pain.
Your chiropractor may also prescribe an exercise programme to help you regain strength and mobility.
They might advise you on self-care techniques you can use at home as well. These can help relieve your symptoms and build overall strength, fitness and wellbeing. Examples include:
- Exercises to strengthen the lower back and core muscles. These help to support your spine and, as a result, reduce your symptoms.
- Using ice or heat packs for up to 20 minutes at a time.
- Increasing your physical activity, particularly if you live a sedentary lifestyle.
- Being aware of your posture — poor posture can trigger sciatica and other conditions. Yoga can help improve your posture and strength and flexibility too.
For most people, sciatica lasts for one to several weeks. But by seeking help from a chiropractor and keeping up with any at-home exercises they recommend, you may find that the symptoms resolve sooner.
Need Help with Sciatica? Visit Us at Our Chiro Brisbane
Sciatica can be a painful condition that puts your life on hold. Don’t suffer any longer — reach out to us at Our Chiro Brisbane instead. Our experienced chiropractors are here to help you regain your strength and mobility.
Why not make an appointment online today and discover the relief that chiropractic care can bring?
Our Chiro Brisbane is a friendly, local chiropractic clinic serving Bowen Hills, Fortitude Valley, New Farm, Newstead, Teneriffe, and surrounding areas.
References
Salehi, A., Hashemi, N., Imanieh, M.H., & Saber, M. Chiropractic: Is It Efficient in Treatment of Diseases? Review of Systematic Reviews. International Journal of Community Based Nursing and Midwifery. 2015 Oct; 3(4):244-54. PMID: 26448951; PMCID: PMC4591574.
