Sciatica and You

Sciatica occurs when one experiences constant pain in the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back to the buttocks and on down through the lower legs. This nerve extends through the entire lower part of the body, from the back all the way down to the legs. The sciatic nerve keeps the muscles of the lower legs functioning correctly, causing sensation in the lower extremities.

Common but usually misunderstood, sciatica is a kind of lower back and leg pain. Sciatica should not be used as a catch-all diagnosis for all forms of nerve pain; the term refers to a specific group of symptoms. Sciatica symptoms seem to affect those between the ages of 30 and 50 the most. Sciatica is often related to wear and tear of the lower spine area over time. Injuries are not known to cause sciatica.

The Symptoms
Discomfort experienced from the lower back down through the lower legs — where the sciatic nerve runs — is the main symptom. But depending on where the damage to the sciatic nerve is, there could be many symptoms associated with sciatica. There are many forms to the discomfort caused by sciatica. From numbness and weak muscles to an aching, burning, or tingling feeling. Most if the time sciatica affects only one side of the body. Sufferers have also reported having a prickly feeling, usually in the foot.

Often the pain isn't too bad when the symptoms first appear, but then it gets worse over time. Pain can be intensified when one is sick, as coughing or sneezing can prompt it. Also, suddenly bending or turning after you've been sitting for a long period of time can exacerbate pain.

The Diagnosis
Your chiropractor can perform a complete examination of your medical profile to diagnose whether you suffer from sciatica. First, your medical history is reviewed. Next, the doctor of chiropractic will request physical and neurological evaluations that pinpoint issues with the legs and spine. Detailing the discomfort you feel is crucial. Tell the chiropractor exactly when it started and what makes it increase and decrease. Completing basic tasks in the presence of your chiropractor will enable your reflexes, muscle strength, and sensory response to be evaluated. For example, your chiropractor may ask you to alternately lift each leg up while you are lying flat on the exam table, among other basic motions.

Sometimes, tests like an MRI, CT scan or X-ray may be ordered to assist with the diagnosis. If you have a more serious problem, such as an infection or tumor, these tests will enable your doctor to diagnose it. Some patients may exhibit more serious symptoms, or may not have been helped by a period of general treatment. For these sufferers, diagnostic imaging can be quite useful.

Options for Treatment
The majority of sciatica patients respond well to regular, yet cautious treatment. There can be a variety of treatments prescribed to alleviate sciatica, as the illness is symptomatic. How it is treated relates to what's causing the symptoms.

Invasive surgery and medicines are not a part of chiropractic care. The goal of chiropractic care is to aid normal function of the spine, repairing issues with movement and lessening pain and inflammation when necessary. Various approaches for treatment exist, as the causes of sciatica vary. Therapeutic exercises, treatment with ice and/or heat, and spinal adjustments are just some of the methods of treatment chiropractic use.

Stop Sciatica before It Starts
Committing to taking care of your back and spinal health can usually keep symptoms of sciatica at bay.

Helpful Tools:

• Get a good amount of exercise
  
• Do not smoke
  
• Work on your posture
  
• The proper diet and weight
  
• Pay attention to the body's motion when lifting heavy objects
  
• Engaging in activity
  
  

Once again, along the sciatic nerve is where the symptoms of sciatica are felt. The doctor will give you a thorough examination, going over your symptoms and assessing your lifestyle and medical history. This enables the doctor to give you the personalized course of treatment that you need. Contact your chiropractor to learn more about sciatica and various treatment options. This will lead you toward the right type of sciatica care for you.