What are Symptoms of Sciatic Nerve Pain?
Symptoms of sciatic nerve pain can present as a constant dull ache or sharp bursts of pain anywhere along the path of the sciatic nerve. Some even describe the sensation as electric shocks along the nerve. The sciatica nerve begins in the lower back, splitting at the hips and terminating in the foot. Sometimes sciatics is even coupled with the feeling of weakness or losing control of your bladder and/or bowels. If you feel pain, tingling, a pins and needles sensation, or numbness anywhere in the lower back, the buttocks or down your legs, you may need treatment.
What Causes Sciatic Nerve Pain?
According to sciatica specialists, sciatica is caused when any part of the nerve is pinched. If the symptoms onset is sudden, it is likely due to a specific event like an accident, a herniated disc, or pregnancy. However if the symptoms seem to develop gradually over time, it may be age-related, or caused by the development of a bone spur on your spine, or spinal arthritis. Those at a higher risk for getting sciatic nerve pain are those with sedentary jobs or lifestyles and those who are obese tend to have more stress on their spine causing pressure on the nerves of the back. Jobs that require carrying heavy items or repeatedly twisting of the back are also at a higher risk of sciatica.
What Causes Sciatic Nerve to Flare Up?
Even if you have had sciatica in the past and successfully, you could still occasionally experience a flare up. These flare ups can occur from an injury to the hip or pelvic region, tight hip or buttock muscles, or weakened core or lower back muscles. You may not be aware that stress can also cause sciatic nerve pain to flare up; when you are under stress, the body produces hormones that can cause inflammation that may increase the pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Is Walking Good for Sciatic Nerve Pain?
Walking may support your treatment plan. This low impact exercise decreases inflammation, encourages spinal discs to heal and can help loosen any tight muscles causing strain in the hips and lower back. Walking and extra movement in general can support natural recovery helping to treat sciatic nerve pain by building increasing blood flow, encouraging muscle growth, and assisting with weight loss.
What’s the Best Treatment for Sciatic Nerve Pain?
Sciatica specialists note that treatment for sciatic nerve pain varies from patient to patient, dependent on many factors, however a fast way to get some relief is gentle stretching. Lay on your back and gently pull a knee to your chest, keeping your leg bent at the knee and hold this for 30-40 seconds. Repeat 3-4 times with each leg. The goal for sciatica relief is to reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. Apply ice or a cold compress for 10-15 minutes to your lower back when finished stretching. During the day, change positions frequently and do not sit for extended time. Some patients find fast sciatic pain relief with over the counter medications, however extended use may slow your natural healing. If you are using all of these at home remedies for two weeks and your symptoms worsen or do not improve, seek help from a medical professional.
Can a Chiropractor Help with Sciatic Nerve Pain?
A chiropractor is the ideal medical professional to go to for sciatic nerve pain treatment. Simply consider that sciatica pain is from pressure on the sciatic nerve. Mechanical treatment from a sciatica specialist is the best way to “unpinch” the nerve so you can feel better. Treatment for sciatica by a chiropractor may include spinal manipulations, which reduces pressure on pinched nerves to take the pressure off the sciatic nerve without invasive procedures. The team at Aligned Medical Group can provide gentle and natural pain relief and a personalized sciatic treatment plan for you. Additional treatment options for sciatica include spinal decompression therapy, massage therapy, Flexion-Distraction treatment, and therapeutic stretches. Start your journey towards a life without sciatic nerve pain by contacting Aligned Medical Group to schedule an appointment today!