Everything You Need to Know About Sciatica Pain (Symptoms, Chiropractic Benefits, & More)!

If you have back pain that shoots down one leg, you may be suffering from sciatica. What’s sciatica? What are the symptoms? What causes sciatica? Can chiropractic care help? 

Here’s everything you need to know about sciatica.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which travels from your lower back through your hips and butt and down each leg. Usually, sciatica only affects one side of your body. Sciatica typically results from a bone spur, herniated disk, or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine) pressing on part of the nerve, which causes pain, inflammation, and occasionally numbness.

Sciatica Symptoms

The primary symptom of sciatica is pain that starts in your lower back and radiates down your butt and the back of your leg. The pain usually only affects one side of your body and may range from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation to excruciating pain. It may feel like an electric shock or jolt and can be worsened by sneezing, coughing, or sitting for long periods.

Sciatica Causes and Risk Factors

Sciatica is caused by the sciatic nerve being pinched by a bone spur, herniated disk, tumor, or other problems. Risk factors include:

• Older age
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Prolonged sitting
• Certain occupations

Sciatica Treatment

Sciatica may clear up on its own within a few weeks. Other sciatica treatments include:

• Medication, such as anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, anti-seizure medication, and tricyclic antidepressants. 
• Physical therapy, which typically involves exercises to strengthen your back, improve your flexibility, and correct your posture.
• Steroid injections may help reduce inflammation and pain. However, the effects of the shots wear off within a few months and you may experience serious side effects.
• Chiropractic care can include spinal manipulation, massage, heat, acupuncture, or other holistic therapies that may treat the root cause of sciatica rather than simply masking the symptoms.
• Surgery is a last resort when no other treatments have helped or the compressed nerve causes incontinence or extreme weakness. 

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Sciatica Relief

Chiropractic care offers a wide variety of benefits for people suffering from sciatica, including:

• Pain relief without the side effects of medication
• Holistic and non-invasive
• No referral needed
• Treats the root cause of sciatica rather than simply masking the pain
• More affordable than some other treatments, especially for those without insurance

• Pain may be relieved in a few visits 

Make an Appointment Now At County Line Chiropractic in South Florida for Your Sciatica Pain

If you’re suffering from sciatica, County Line Chiropractic Medical & Rehab Center may be able to help. Our chiropractors will identify the cause of your sciatica and come up with a treatment plan to help you feel better. They also won’t hesitate to let you know if you may need a higher level of care than we can provide, such as prescription medication or surgery.

We have locations in Plantation, Lauderhill, North Miami Beach, Miami Gardens, Pembroke Pines, and East Fort Lauderdale to serve you. Schedule an appointment by clicking here or calling (800) 811-1231. We also accept walk-ins.