The medical condition known as sciatica happens when your sciatic nerve – which is the body’s longest, becomes compressed or irritated. The sciatic nerve begins in the lower part of your back and extends out along each leg. When irritated, your sciatic nerve has the potential to create intense pain - when walking, standing, and even sitting for prolonged periods. If you live in and around Suwanee, GA, Dr. Laura Russo of Suwanee Family Chiropractic can help relieve your sciatic pain and associated symptoms.
Typical Sciatica Symptoms
Irritated or inflamed sciatic nerve symptoms may manifest in your lower back, buttocks, or along each leg. Sciatica pain has the potential to vary from sporadic to persistent and may be characterized as -
- Tingling/Numbness.
- Burning.
- Muscle Weakness.
- Spasms.
- Shooting Pain and more.
Potential Causes of Sciatic Pain
While sciatica is considered a medical condition, many of its symptoms may also be related to a separate and distinct underlying condition – that somehow results in an inflamed/irritated nerve. Ultimately, a sciatic condition causes various symptoms that can easily disrupt one’s daily routine.
The potential causes of sciatica may include one or more of the following -
- Years of poor posture.
- Extended periods of sitting.
- Muscle knots called trigger points.
- Pregnancy.
- A herniated disc.
- Disc degeneration.
Treatment Options for Sciatica
Sciatica symptoms, in certain instances, may improve without medical intervention. However, because sciatica symptoms may not be the root cause, it is wise to seek medical guidance to manage the underlying cause of the pain so they won’t return.
In addition to traditional spinal adjustments and complementary therapies (i.e., massage therapy), Dr. Russo offers these therapies to manage the symptoms of sciatica -
- Spinal Decompression
- Flexion Distraction
- Electrical Muscle Stimulation
Additionally, Dr. Russo offers lifestyle guidance to help you proactively prevent a future sciatica flare-up.
Sciatica Home/Self-Care
With a medical professional’s guidance, the following advice offers viable ways to help with sciatica pain -
- Rest – give your body a chance to heal.
- Routinely stretch gently to help flexibility.
- Hot/Cold applications – Don’t apply directly to the skin.
- Heat encourages blood flow/healing.
- Ice numbs pain and reduces inflammation.
- Gentle exercise can help reduce pain and strengthen core muscles.
Contact a Leading Suwanee, GA, Chiropractor for Relief from Sciatica Symptoms
Sciatic pain will persist until your nerve is no longer compressed. Seeking help from a chiropractor can ensure you correctly identify the cause of your sciatic pain and develop an effective sciatica treatment plan. Contact Dr. Russo or a staff member of Suwanee Family Chiropractic at 770-831-7556 by email or online.