
What is Sciatica?
Sciatic pain, often referred to as sciatica, is pain that spans the length of the sciatic nerve.
The nerve runs from the lower back down the hips, across the buttocks, and down each leg. The pain usually occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated.
Trident Health & Chiropractic offers certified chiropractors and wellness experts for sciatica treatment in Spartanburg, South Carolina to help give you pain relief.
Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica occurs from irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the human body.
The most common causes of sciatica include:
- Spinal Stenosis: This condition occurs when the spinal canal starts to narrow which causes pressure to develop along the sciatic nerve.
- Spondylolisthesis: A vertebra slips or dislocates from its spot and compresses the sciatic nerve.
- Trauma or Injury: Injuries to the spine or buttocks can cause sciatic pain and nerve root discomfort.
- Herniated Discs: A herniated disk, also commonly referred to simply as a slipped disc, occurs when the interior of the disc’s soft inner core starts to seep out which then places pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Pregnancy: The added weight and pressure on the spine during pregnancy cause sciatica.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: With aging, the discs located between each vertebra break down causing burn spurs to form which begin to rub and irritate the sciatic nerve.
- Tumors: Tumors in the spine or pelvis can compress the sciatic nerve.
- Piriformis Syndrome: Within the area of the buttocks lies the piriformis muscle. When the muscle spasms or contracts while working out or performing some other function, it can irritate the sensitive sciatic nerve.
- Infections: Infections affecting the spine, such as spinal staph infections or epidural abscesses cause pain in the spinal nerves.
Symptoms of Sciatica Pain
Discomfort and pain spread along the length of the sciatic nerve.
The symptoms of sciatica include:
- Radiating Pain
- Lumbar Spine Pain
- Burning or Tingling Sensation
- Numbness of the Affected Legs or Foot
- Difficulty Sitting or Standing
- Pain Aggravated by Certain Movements
- Muscle Weakness
- Changes in Reflexes
Sciatic Treatment Choices
The treatment of sciatica varies and can include simple things such as self-care or lifestyle modifications. However, in severe cases, you should explore chiropractic adjustments and approaches.
Here are common treatment options for sciatica:
- Rest
- Apply heat or cold compresses such as a heating pad or cold packs
- Chiropractic care such as chiropractic adjustments
- Softwave therapy
- ThermoStim therapy
- Exercise can be beneficial for relieving sciatic pain by promoting flexibility and strengthening muscles
Book an Appointment - Sciatic Treatment Spartanburg
If you suffer from sciatic pain, we encourage you to book an appointment for a physical exam and to discuss chiropractic treatment plans at Trident Health & Chiropractic.