Chiropractic care can help with a variety of conditions and issues, alongside regular aches and pains. As sciatica is a common, painful, and debilitating condition, a lot of people turn to chiropractic manipulations to alleviate sciatica pain and problems associated with the nerve.
Here, we help you understand what sciatica is, and how licensed chiropractors, like the team at SnapCrack, a walk-in chiropractor in Miami Beach, can help you deal with it.
Sciatica: What Is It?
When defining sciatica, you first need to understand the sciatic nerve. This is a large system of nerves that runs from the back, down through the buttocks, and along each leg. When the sciatic nerve is compromised, this means the potential for a lot of pain, due to the length and placement of the nerve itself.
Sciatica is the radiating pain you may feel which branches along the sciatic nerve. This commonly runs from the lower back, through the hips, and into the leg, and often only affects one side of the body and not both (though this is painful enough).
Sciatica can, therefore, occur when nerve compression occurs, so you can experience back and leg pain.
How is The Spine and Sciatica Related?
As mentioned, the sciatic nerve begins in the back and branches further down the body. This means that this nerve can be directly related to any issues you may be experiencing in the spine. Any complications within the spinal column, such as a slipped herniated disc or excess joint pressure, can easily affect the sciatic nerve and put pressure on it. Problems in the back like these can easily result in sciatic nerve pain, even in seemingly unconnected areas like the buttocks or leg.
Symptoms of Sciatic Nerve Problems
There are a number of symptoms that can be associated with sciatic nerve problems. The symptoms of sciatica include:
- Lower back pain specifically
- A shooting or radiating pain which travels along one side of the body
- Weakness or numbness in the leg or foot
- Pain in the leg and buttocks, especially when sitting down
- Constant and persistent aching, particularly along one leg and buttock
Long-Term Issues Relating to Sciatica
If sciatica is not managed or treated, it can result in long-term effects. These include constant battling with pain, having difficulty sitting or standing comfortably, or even being unable to walk properly in severe cases which hinder the leg’s movement due to numbness and pain.
Furthermore, if there is another issue causing pressure on the sciatic nerve, such as a misaligned spine or slipped disc, then this needs to be rectified to prevent further problems. You might turn to pain relief in the form of medication, but if you want a drug free alternative, then you will be pleased to know that treating sciatica in a more holistic way is possible.
What Chiropractic Care Can Do for Sciatica
A licensed chiropractor will tackle the buildup of excess pressure on the nerve or the specific cause of the restriction. Through spinal adjustment therapy, the pressure on the sciatic nerve will be released, meaning pain and discomfort can be treated. Chiropractic care, as a form of sciatica treatments, will mean the proper alignment of the spine, as well as restoring flexibility and balance. Furthermore, this kind of care means treatment for ongoing symptoms by preventing pain buildup and restoring natural flow.
If you’re struggling with sciatica, the team at Miami Beach chiropractor SnapCrack is ready to help with chiropractic techniques and spinal manipulations to help reduce inflammation pain and reduce consistent aches in your body.