Sciatica

If you have sciatica pain, your chiropractor in Olathe, KS can help.
Sciatica most often happens when a herniated disk or an overgrowth of bone puts pressure on the lumbar spine nerve roots. This happens "upstream" from the sciatic nerve. This causes inflammation, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg.

Common Causes of Sciatica Pain

• A job that requires twisting the back, carrying heavy loads or driving a motor vehicle for long periods might play a role in herniated disks.
• Prolonged sitting. People who sit a lot or don't move much are more likely to develop herniated disks than active people are.
• Poor posture
• A spasm of the piriformis muscle

Symptoms of Sciatica Pain

• Sciatica pain can be almost anywhere along the nerve pathway. It's especially likely to follow a path from the low back to the buttock and the back of a thigh and calf.
• The pain can vary from a mild ache to a sharp, burning pain. Sometimes it feels like a jolt or electric shock.
• It can be worse when coughing or sneezing or sitting a long time.
• Usually, sciatica affects only one side of the body.
• Some people also have numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the leg or foot. One part of the leg can be in pain, while another part can feel numb.

Treatment and at Home Remedies

• Heat or ice: Apply ice for the first 48–72 hours to reduce inflammation, then switch to heat. You can use an ice pack or ice wrapped in a towel, or apply heat with a heating pad, warm compress, or warm shower. 
• Exercises: This typically includes exercises to correct posture, strengthen the core and improve range of motion.
• Posture: Try to maintain good posture when sitting or walking. You can also take frequent breaks to get up and move around.  
• Chiropractic Adjustment: this will increase range of motion and decrease inflammation of the sciatic nerve
• Decompression Therapy: this will improve nerve compression and joint health by healing the disc injury
• Hydromassage: 10 minutes will improve your piriformis muscle spasm
• Our Desensitize program, which you can read here an start today at home

Schedule an appointment and find out how Woodroof Chiropractic can help your sciatica pain.