Lower back pain can be debilitating enough without adding leg pain into the mix. Lower back pain that extends through your buttocks and down your leg is a sign of sciatica. Sciatica pain can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the cause of your condition. These FAQs from our Frisco, TX, chiropractor at Starwood Chiropractic explain more about sciatica causes, symptoms, and treatment.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is a condition characterized by lower back pain that extends through your hip and down the outer side of your leg. This pain is generated by compression of sciatic nerve roots in your lower spine and legs. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body, extending from your lower back to your feet. When spinal structures such as a degenerated or herniated disc press on this nerve, it can generate pain all the way down your leg.
Who’s at risk for sciatica?
If you’re constantly engaging in heavy lifting or performing tasks that require extensive twisting and bending, you’re at risk for developing sciatica. Pregnant women and people who suffer from obesity and diabetes are also at risk for sciatica. Sciatica can also be caused by chronic conditions and traumatic injuries.
What are some symptoms of sciatica?
Sciatica symptoms include:
- A stabbing pain in your lower back that extends through your hips and down one leg
- Lower back pain, inflammation and stiffness
- Numbness in your back or leg
- Foot weakness/inability to lift your toes
Your symptoms may taper off or worsen at different times of the day, depending on your activities. An evaluation from our Frisco, TX, chiropractor can diagnose your condition and determine if chiropractic care can help reduce your symptoms.
How is sciatica treated?
The first step to treating sciatica is diagnosing your condition and determining its cause. Our Frisco, TX, chiropractor can do this through reviewing your medical history, assessing your symptoms and performing a physical exam and diagnostic testing. Once we’ve made an accurate diagnosis, we can outline a plan for treatment.
Your treatment plan may consist of a combination of therapies and techniques to get optimal pain relief. Through spinal decompression, we can relieve disc pressure on spinal nerves to alleviate lower back pain and inflammation. Chiropractic adjustments are used to correct imbalances in your spinal system. This takes pressure off of joints, muscles, and nerves, so your body has a chance to heal. Corrective exercises help restore spinal movement and range of motion. We’ll also recommend lifestyle changes to improve body function and keep your system healthy long-term.
Come to Starwood Chiropractic for Sciatica Pain Relief
To schedule a consultation with our Frisco, TX, chiropractor for lower back pain relief, contact Starwood Chiropractic at (972) 377-3909.
