Sciatica Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Sciatica is pain caused by irritation related to the sciatic nerve. This nerve is the largest in the human body, so when there’s a problem with it, great pain can result. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back within the roots of the spinal cord down through the buttocks and into the legs.
Sciatica Symptoms
Sciatic nerve pain is experienced from the lower back down through the buttocks and hips to the backs of the thighs. In extreme cases, this pain can radiate down into the calves, feet and toes. The symptoms of sciatica often include:
- Lower back pain
- Pain in the back of the leg that is worse while sitting
- Buttock and/or Hip pain
- Burning pain or tingling that runs down the leg
- Shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand
- Continual pain on one side of the buttocks
- Weakness or numbness in one leg
- Difficulty moving the leg or foot
Causes of Sciatica Pain
Sciatica is mainly caused by lumbar disc herniation that presses directly pressing on the sciatic nerve. Here are some of the common causes of this issue:
- Pinched nerve from overuse
- Herniated disc from a work injury
- Spinal subluxation
- Auto accident
- Pregnancy
- Arthritis
Bed rest and alternating hot and cold packs on the sciatic nerve are the primary forms of treatment for sciatica while the issue resolves on its own. However, chiropractic care from your chiropractor in Tacoma can be extremely valuable in addressing sciatica at its root.
Focused Sciatica Treatment From Your Tacoma Chiropractor
Since the main cause is sciatic nerve pain is almost always a pinching of the sciatic nerve, chiropractic adjustment from your Tacoma chiropractor tends to be the most effective treatment for sciatica pain.
Chiropractic care for sciatica can be complemented by additional treatments such as physical therapy, specific exercises to do at home and massage therapy. In some cases, acupuncture can also expedite the healing process. Cortisone shots and medications can help as well, but your Tacoma chiropractor prefers to use the least invasive treatment possible that doesn’t rely on medications.
At home, you can also do light stretching or yoga poses to help heal from sciatica and avoid the condition in the future. However, since the main issue is an irritation of the sciatic nerve, once this issue is resolved with a chiropractic adjustment, healing usually progresses rapidly.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you are experiencing sciatica symptoms or sciatica nerve pain, contact your chiropractor in Tacoma Bakke Chiropractic Clinic. Bakke Chiropractic Clinic is a family business with a focus on compassionate client care. We treat the entire person holistically using the latest in innovative chiropractic treatments and state of the art technology. Our goal is effective results and non-invasive pain relief for all issues of the back, neck and spine.