It’s no secret that pain is a common reason people visit doctors. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, over 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. This pain can be caused by various conditions, including arthritis, injuries, and stress.
While there are many different ways to treat pain, some people may wonder if it’s time to see a chiropractor. Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders and correcting the “cause” of the problem, not just treating the symptom. They often use a hands-on approach to treat these disorders, including adjusting the spine.
There are many benefits of seeing a chiropractor, including pain relief, improved range of motion, and reduced stress. If you’re considering seeing a chiropractor, you must find one you trust and feel comfortable with. Before beginning treatment, you should also discuss your goals and expectations with the chiropractor.
Understanding Sciatica: What Is It?
Sciatica is a medical condition characterized by pain descending the leg from the lower back. This pain may go down the leg’s back, outside, or front. Onset is often sudden following activities like heavy lifting, although gradual onset may also occur. The pain is often described as sharp, shooting, or burning. Treating sciatica involves removing pressure on the sciatic nerve with chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression and/or physical therapy.
Signs That You Suffer From Sciatica
If you think you may be suffering from sciatica, there are a few key signs and symptoms to look out for.
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Pain in the Lower Back or Hip
The most common symptom of sciatica is pain in the lower back or hip. This pain is usually caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve by overactive or tight muscles in the lower back. The pain may be sharp or burning, radiating down the leg and into the foot.
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Numbness or Tingling in the Leg
Another common symptom of sciatica is numbness or tingling in the leg. It is caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve, which can lead to a loss of feeling in the affected leg.
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Weakness in the Leg
Weakness in the leg is another common symptom of sciatica. This weakness is due to sciatic nerve compression, which can lead to a loss of muscle function in the affected leg.
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Pain that Gets Worse with Sitting
If you have sciatica, you may find that the pain worsens when you sit for long periods. That’s because sitting puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, aggravating the pain.
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Pain that Gets Worse With Coughing or Sneezing
Coughing or sneezing can also aggravate the pain of sciatica because the act of coughing or sneezing puts additional pressure on the sciatic nerve.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor to rule out other possible causes of the pain, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica can be caused by various things, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, and pregnancy.
Chiropractic Care for Sciatica
Chiropractic care is a great way to treat sciatica and can provide relief from the pain and other symptoms. Chiropractors are trained to identify and treat compressed nerves and can help to decompress the nerve and relieve the pressure.
Chiropractic care is safe, gentle, and effective and can be an excellent option for correcting sciatica. If you’re dealing with sciatica, talk to your chiropractor about the best treatment options.
Conclusion
Sciatica can be a debilitating condition that causes immense pain and suffering. If you are suffering from sciatica, it is vital to seek treatment as soon as possible. Many effective treatments available can help relieve your pain and improve your quality of life.
A good chiropractor will always take the time to properly assess and examine a patient before recommending any treatment. At Cobblestone Spine and Joint Institute, we understand that these conditions can be painful and challenging. We want to ensure you receive the best care and specialized treatment you need as quickly as possible. If you’re dealing with sciatic pain in Royal Palm Beach, make an appointment with us!
