Sciatica is a disease that causes pain that starts in the lower back and spreads to one or both legs. It happens when something compresses or irritates the sciatic nerve, a large nerve that runs down the back of each leg.

Think of the sciatic nerve as a large cord attached to your lower leg. When something pinched or irritated this nerve, it causes a sharp, excruciating pain that makes it difficult to move comfortably. The pain may feel burning, throbbing, or numb. It can be mild or severe and can occur in different legs or feet.

Sciatica can make everyday activities such as walking, sitting or standing for long periods of time difficult. Getting the right care and treatment is important for pain relief and feeling well. The purpose of this article is to explain the causes of sciatica, discuss evidence-based treatments, and discuss how chiropractic care can help treat this condition.

Causes of sciatica

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes inflamed or compressed. This can occur for a variety of reasons, such as herniated lumbar discs, spinal stenosis or piriformis syndrome. Sciatica causes pain, stiffness, or numbness in the leg that interferes with daily life.

Researchers have studied the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for sciatica. According to a study conducted by Lewis et al. (2015) and McMorran et al. (2010) Chiropractic care is a technique used by chiropractors to reduce pain and improve function in patients with sciatica. They found that for some patients, chiropractic care was as effective as surgery.

Chiropractors take a holistic approach to treating sciatica. They focus on finding the root cause of nerve irritation and use treatments such as spinal adjustments, soft tissue treatments, and lifestyle changes to relieve pain and improve mobility. This surgery aims not only to relieve immediate symptoms, but also to promote long-term spinal health.

Because sciatica pain varies from person to person, our chiropractor will create an individualized treatment plan. X-rays or MRIs can be used to better understand each patient’s condition and provide appropriate treatment.

Patients are encouraged to take an active role in the management of sciatica. These include being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and maintaining good posture. These methods can enhance chiropractic care and improve results.

During a physical exam, a healthcare professional may check muscle strength and breathing. For example, you may be asked to walk on your toes or heels, stand up from a sitting position, lie on your back, and lift your legs.

Test

Severe aches or pains that do not improve within a few weeks:

X-rays show certain mechanical changes that can affect the size of the opening through which nerve roots exit the spinal cord.

Magnetic resonance imaging.

This procedure creates an image using strong magnets and radio waves. MRI produces detailed images of soft tissue, so compressed discs and pinched nerves can be seen during the scan.

This procedure requires an injection into the spinal cord before the CT scan. This injection is dry in nature. This procedure causes the cord to travel around and around the spinal cord the image around the nerve is revealed.

Electromyography (EMG) this method measures the electrical impulses produced in muscles and nerves. This test is done when the nerve is damaged excessively. Some of the following medicines can be used for pain relief.

The drugs

Medications used to treat sciatica include:

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Corticosteroids.

Antidepressants.

Anticonvulsants.

Opioids.

Physical therapy: After your pain improves, your healthcare professional can develop a plan to help prevent future injuries. It usually includes exercises to improve posture, strengthen the core, and improve range of motion.

Steroid injection: In some cases, injecting corticosteroid medication into the area of the nerve causing the pain may be helpful. Injections often help reduce pain. A maximum of three awards can be given each year.

Surgery: Surgeons can remove a tumor pressing on a nerve or a partially herniated disc. But when sciatica causes severe weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or when other treatments fail to relieve pain, surgery is often needed.

When you suffer from sciatica, your first instinct may be to rest and relax, but most importantly, keep moving. If you sit still, the nerves in that area will continue to be irritated. Active activity can reduce inflammation.

If home remedies don’t help, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications like anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants. You can try steroid injections, physical therapy, acupuncture, or chiropractic treatment.

If pain persists for more than 3 months, surgery may be necessary. Seek immediate medical attention if sciatica causes severe pain, weakness, numbness, and decreased bladder or bowel function.

Sciatica relief without surgery: Although sciatica can be scary, the good news is that most cases can be improved with non-surgical treatment. Studies show that 90-95% of people with sciatica can get relief without surgery. Let’s explore some tips on how to better manage sciatica.

Walking: Your body is designed to move, and doing so may be the best way to treat sciatica. In case of sciatica attack, short and easy walking relieves the pain. Regular walking improves blood flow, reduces inflammation and promotes healing.

Start with short walks and gradually increase the duration and intensity based on your endurance. If it hurts, try not to worry, take a deep breath and stop and check in with yourself every now and then. When walking, slow down with the middle of your feet planted on the ground. Walking slowly allows you to think about your steps instead of going too fast.

Epidural injection: In some cases, patients are candidates for an epidural to relieve the pain of a herniated disc. This minimally invasive needle has been used for over 100 years to treat spinal pain accurately, efficiently and safely. Our allied health professionals use advanced x-ray equipment called fluoroscopy to visualize and deliver powerful anti-inflammatory drugs to inflamed discs and nerves.

When should you see a sciatica specialist?

If you suffer from sciatica, it’s important to find a specialist who can help diagnose your condition and get the treatment you need. If your pain is severe, gets worse after home treatment, or lasts more than a few weeks, see your primary care doctor or NSCP. They can determine the underlying cause, recommend more targeted treatment options and, in rare cases, determine whether surgery is necessary.

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Understanding Sciatica: What It Is and How to Manage It

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