How Do You Know If You Have Sciatica?

 

If you’ve been experiencing pain that extends from your lower back down your leg, you may be affected by sciatica. Although sciatica is one of the most common forms of back pain and typically goes away after four to six weeks, it can be quite troublesome. The good news is that a visit to a chiropractor can help alleviate your pain. If you live in Nitro, WV, visit Dr. Jay McClanahan at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center. He will provide you with a personalized treatment plan.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition that refers to an injury to or irritation of your sciatica nerves. You have two sciatica nerves: one on each side of the body. These nerves stretch from your hips, through your buttocks, and down your legs. Sciatica occurs when these nerves become irritated or pinched.

Typically, sciatica happens when the jelly-like cushions between your vertebrae, called discs, rupture. This can cause inflammation or pressure on a nerve root. Other possible causes of sciatica include:

• Aging
• Being overweight
• Spinal stenosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Smoking and alcohol
• Diabetes

Fortunately, sciatica is typically not a chronic condition. While it can go away without medical treatment, chiropractic care will alleviate your pain and help you recover more quickly.

How Do You Know If You Have Sciatica?

A tell-tale sign that you may have sciatica is if you’re experiencing shooting pains from your lower back down your leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body. The level of pain can range from relatively mild to debilitating. 

Other symptoms of sciatica include:

• A feeling of numbness in the buttock, leg, or/and foot
• Muscle weakness in your leg and/or foot
• A tingling sensation down the leg
• Hip pain
• Increased pain when you move
• Loss of bowel and bladder control

When you have sciatica, the pain may be incessant or it may come and go. Sufferers describe the pain as shooting, sharp, or stabbing. The pain may get worse when you stand or sit for a while, or when you suddenly move.

How Can a Chiropractor Help With Sciatica?

A chiropractor can provide relief from pain caused by sciatica and can also prevent the condition from occurring again. Chiropractic treatments include spinal manipulations to move a herniated disc back into place, and also spinal decompression to relieve the compression of the nerves.

A chiropractor like Dr. Jay can also show you chiropractic exercises that will help alleviate nerve and muscle pain. You don't need to live with the discomfort and pain that sciatica can cause. Drop by the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, or call them at (304) 776-1520.