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5 Signs of Sciatica
When you move throughout your day, you probably don’t give much thought to your sciatic nerve. That is, until you feel burning, stabbing, or shooting pain in your back, buttock, or leg.
Your sciatic nerve runs from your lower back down your legs. If the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed, it can stop you in your tracks.
At AllCare Chiropractic, we understand just how difficult and debilitating sciatica pain can be. Learn about five prominent signs of sciatica and what treatment is available to help.
Sciatica 101
Sciatica is the pain you experience as a result of the sciatic nerve being inflamed or pinched.
The sciatic nerve is the longest in the human body. Beginning in your lower back, the sciatic nerve branches down through your hips, legs, and buttocks.
If you suffer from sciatica, it’s likely because of a herniated disc compressing the nerve. However, other conditions known to cause sciatica include:
- Arthritis
- Pregnancy
- Bone spurs
- Tumors
- Infection
- Inflammation
If you suspect sciatic nerve damage is the cause of your pain, it helps to know what to look for so you can get the right treatment.
Signs of sciatica
Typically, sciatica only affects one side of your body. Here are five signs to watch for:
Numbness in your back, buttock, or leg
One of the key indications you’re dealing with sciatic nerve damage is numbness. When the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, it can cut off feeling in the area.
Compared with debilitating pain, numbness might seem a blessing. However, numbness can make it difficult to complete daily activities. You may feel tingling or burning sensations as well.
Sharp shooting or stabbing pain
You may have sciatica if you feel a dull, throbbing pain or a sharp, shooting pain that radiates from your back through your ankle. Some people describe the pain as stabbing or shocking. The pain may be constant or can come and go.
Muscle weakness
Sciatic nerve damage can lead to weakness in your muscles because it hurts to move. Muscle weakness from sciatica can lead to difficulty walking, standing, or exercising as you normally would. If you find one leg weaker than the other, sciatica is a likely culprit.
Loss of balance
If you have sciatic nerve damage, it can be challenging to keep your balance. Balance issues that result from sciatica stem from the inability to stand on the affected leg. If you’re having trouble staying fully upright, you might have sciatica.
Worsening symptoms
Most sciatica-related symptoms and pain resolve on their own. However, your nerve damage might be so severe that it gets worse when you’re at rest. If you find your pain is worse when you’re sitting down, sciatic compression or irritation might be the cause.
Treatment options for sciatica
At AllCare Chiropractic, your provider works with you to create an effective, customized treatment plan. Options can include:
- Chiropractic care
- Physical therapy
- Massage therapy
- Mobility exercises
- Heat and cold therapy
- Medication
Sciatic nerve damage can happen to anyone, but no one should have to endure the pain without help. If you feel like sciatica is the cause of your woes, the experts at AllCare Chiropractic are here for you.
Get started with our fast and easy online appointment scheduler or give us a call today.
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