Sciatica is a medical condition that can cause pain in the lower back and legs. Many people turn to chiropractors for help with this condition. Chiropractors are experts in spinal health and can relieve those suffering from sciatica. We will discuss how chiropractors can help with sciatica and what you can expect from care.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica results when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your spinal cord down your back and into your legs, is compressed or irritated. This can cause pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in your leg.
Most types of sciatica are caused by a herniated disk- a disk in your spine that has been damaged and is pressing on the nerve. Other causes of sciatica include:
Spinal stenosis :
This is a narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the nerve
Piriformis syndrome :
This is when the piriformis muscle, which is located in your buttocks, compresses the nerve
Tumors or cysts :
These can put pressure on the nerve
Herniated disks :
These are disks that have been damaged and are pressing on the nerve
What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica?
Sciatica is a medical issue caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. It causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the lower back, legs, and feet. Symptoms may include: burning or shooting pain down one side of your leg, difficulty standing up from a seated position, feeling weak or numb in the affected leg or foot, and loss of bladder control (rarely).
Who Are Prone To Sciatica?
Sciatica is a type of pain associated with the nerve that typically occurs along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back to your foot. Many people are prone to sciatica due to lifestyle habits such as sitting for prolonged periods or lifting heavy objects incorrectly. Other factors such as age, pregnancy, obesity, and diabetes can increase your risk of developing sciatica.
What Can a Chiropractor Do?
When it comes to sciatica, chiropractors have a lot to offer. Chiropractic care is a practical approach to addressing and managing the painful symptoms associated with this condition. By utilizing a holistic approach, chiropractors can target the root cause of pain instead of simply masking the symptoms.
Chiropractors use different techniques such as spinal adjustments and spinal exercises to relax tight muscles that might be causing sciatica discomfort.
a) Spinal Adjustments:
Chiropractors may use spinal and extremity adjustments to reduce the pressure placed on the sciatic nerve. The goal is to reduce pain and improve the range of motion in the affected area.
b) Spinal Exercises:
A chiropractor can prescribe stretches and exercises to strengthen weakened muscles or build core stability. When done correctly, these exercises can help you gain more control over your posture and movements, relieving discomfort.
Chiropractic care aims to restore balance within the body so it can heal naturally without relying on medications. Unlike other medical treatments, chiropractic care is non-invasive and does not involve surgery. Contact Radix Chiropractic for the best Colorado Springs chiropractor. We provide a range of services and can help you find the proper treatment for your sciatica.