Did you know as many as 1 in 10 people suffer from sciatica? And did you know that as many as 40% of people will get sciatica at some point in their life? But what is this common condition and how can you help yourself if you become a statistic? Our chiropractic doctors explain how to heal sciatica pain naturally.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a condition or ailment that affects your lower back. It can also be coming directly from the buttocks – your piriformis muscle; tension here may cause pressure to come onto the sciatic nerve as well.
Its name derives from the sciatic nerve, which is also the largest nerve in the body. It is a bilateral nerve that runs all the way from your lower back (lumbar spine) and can extend through your buttocks, hamstrings, knees, and even all the way to the feet. Usually, the pain only affects one side of your body at a time.
When this sciatic nerve is pinched or compressed it is called sciatica. Common symptoms include:
- Sharp or shooting pain
- Tingling, numbness, or burning
- Weakness or difficulty moving your legs or feet
Often these symptoms are mild but they can also be debilitating and they can range in frequency from occasional to constant.
Stop Sciatica pain in its tracks. Visit one of our convenient Tampa chiropractic office locations. We’re located in Carrollwood (813-963-3055) and Town & Country (813-885-5786). Schedule your appointment today!
What Causes Sciatica?
If sciatica is so common what triggers it? As mentioned above, sciatica is caused by sciatic nerve compression. This can happen for many reasons including:
- Slipped discs
- Degenerative discs
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Lumbar spine subluxations
- Spinal tumors
While these are the most common spinal disorders, others environmental factors can affect pinched or compressed nerves. These can include constipation, diabetes, excess weight to even things such as wearing high heels, sleeping on a mattress that is too soft, or even sitting on your wallet!
Sciatica and Chiropractors
If you are seeking relief from sciatica nerve pain, your best route is to find a chiropractor. We offer a non-invasive way of healing. Plus, there is no medication to take! Additionally, you do not need a referral from a doctor to see a chiropractor. Chiropractic Naturally is in-network with the majority of all insurances.
By using chiropractic treatment, you allow your body to heal itself. By loosening restricted spinal movement, it helps increase the function and performance of the body. How the chiropractor works on your sciatic symptoms can vary.
Here are the most common treatments used:
- Spinal Adjustments: helps free spinal restriction and restore range of motion. It will also decrease inflammation, relax muscles, and restore normal nerve function
- Ice or Cold: This therapy helps reduce inflammation and control pain
- Ultrasound: Use of acoustic sound waves that penetrates deep into tissues to help increase circulation and reduce swelling and stiffness
- TENS: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. This device uses electrical currents at different levels of intensity to stimulate the muscles which can help in turn reduce pain and the occurrence of muscle spasms.
- Acupuncture and massage therapy can also help with sciatica pain.
Healing Sciatica Pains with Chiropractic
Sciatica nerve pain is treatable without surgery or pain pills! At Chiropractic Naturally, we have over 15 years of experience and expertise at healing the natural way.
You should not have to suffer constant debilitating pain. Our chiropractors offer a holistic experience that will relieve your Sciatic nerve pain. We have two convenient Tampa locations, one in Carrollwood (813-963-3055) and one in Town & Country (813-885-5786). Request an appointment today. Let us help you get your life back free of Sciatica pain!