Chiropractic Care for Sciatica: Chiropractic Plus Newcastle, NSW
April 26, 2018 12:12 pm
Most people in the workforce are either standing up or sitting down for long periods of time every day. It is because of these repetitive strains and motions, that a lot of people feel regular aches and pains all over their body. One of the most common types of recurring pain is sciatica.
According to statistics, 79.3% of the worldwide population has experienced sciatica. Some people might view it as normal and just an inevitable part of life. It can be treated and prevented however, so we should be made aware of what causes sciatica.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is the term used to describe a type of pain felt anywhere from our lower back and down the legs, caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. Sometimes it feels similar to a leg cramp, however the level of pain is different. Sciatica is a shooting pain and when it is severe, it can leave the person unable to stand or sit.
What Are The Symptoms?
Although it may be hard to differentiate between sciatica and a simple leg cramp, it is wise to know the symptoms and be wary of them:
- A burning or tingling feeling down the leg.
- Pain in the lower back or leg which worsens when you are sitting.
- Numbness, weakness, or difficulty moving the foot or leg.
- A persistent pain on one side of the back.
- A shooting pain that makes it difficult for you to stand up or sit down.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica can be a symptom of a pinched nerve that affects one or more areas of the lower spinal nerves. The pinched nerve can either be found inside or outside of the spinal canal and it goes through the legs. Here are some of the common causes:
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- Lumbar spinal stenosis. The narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back.
- Degenerative disc disease. Breakdown of the discs that act as cushions between vertebrae.
- Spondylolisthesis. A condition in which a vertebra slips forward over another one.
Is It Treatable?
For severe sciatic pain, heat or cold therapy is advisable for the initial phase. This type of therapy can be done at home; simply place ice in a towel and apply to the affected area for 20 minutes. Do the same with a heat pack and alternate for two hours. Heat therapy and cold therapy do not treat the source of sciatica, but can provide temporary relief from pain, without the need for medication.
Book a consultation with one of the chiropractors at Chiropractic Plus.
