Sciatica is a condition that affects the largest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back and runs through each buttock and down each leg. When the nerve becomes impaired, numerous symptoms may be felt, causing different severities of discomfort; this is referred to as sciatica.
Because chiropractors have a deep understanding of the body’s soft tissues and joints, they can find dysfunctions throughout the musculoskeletal system, including the connective tissues surrounding the sciatic nerve, as well as the spine, which connects various areas of the musculoskeletal system.
Chiropractic care offers many safe and natural solutions to treat sciatica, making it a great resource for those suffering from its symptoms.
This post goes over the following:
What sciatica is and the symptoms of sciatica
Ways to get sciatica
How to prevent sciatica with at-home remedies
Chiropractic care to end sciatica
And more
Let’s get to it…
Do I Have Sciatica?
Many people assume they have sciatica based on their symptoms and online research; however, when you’re in pain, it’s always best to refer to the guidance of a healthcare provider. Chiropractors are known for their comprehensive assessments, ensuring they find where the injury lies and what the condition is.
Common sciatica symptoms include:
Pain along the sciatic nerve
Radiating pain from the lower back into the buttocks and legs
Numbness in the affected area
Muscle weakness in the affected area
Loss of range of motion
These symptoms occur when the nerve experiences compression or irritation, often due to imbalances in the surrounding soft tissues putting undue pressure on the nerve, a misaligned spine, or a disc herniation.
Sciatica may be the result of:
Habitual poor movement patterns
Poor posture or workstation setup
Overuse injuries
Regular wear and tear or aging
Chronic injury
Weight gain and pregnancy
Some of these reasons for sciatica are unavoidable, but with the help of a chiropractor, you can safely find soft tissue balance and reestablish the correct spine structure. In most cases, your chiropractor will also provide guidance on how to better support your body through your daily routine.
Preventing Sciatica At-Home
Sciatica is a condition that can affect many kinds of people, whether you’re active or sedentary, at any age and leading any type of lifestyle. And while you can’t assume you’ll never experience sciatic discomfort, you can discourage the likelihood you’ll get it by taking care of your body and leading a healthy lifestyle.
Common ways to naturally help prevent sciatica include:
Exercises and stretches- Being physical is good for your muscles, joints, circulation, and overall well-being. Exercise strengthens the body, and stretching promotes flexibility which can help keep your body protected against conditions like sciatica. Core strengthening is a great way to keep your spine strong and healthy, which makes herniation less likely.
Practice good posture- Posture is an important element in your health, as it contributes to spine health and stability. Slouching or spending hours scrolling on your phone with your neck tilted down increases the risk of imbalances and invites injuries to the spine and the soft tissues meant to protect it.
Avoid being sedentary for too long- Many of us sit at a desk for hours a day while working, then go home to sit on a soft for hours to relax. It’s vital to your body and your mental health to get up and move. Even if you can’t commit to exercising daily, be sure you get some stretches in throughout the day, walk to the mailbox, take the stairs, not the elevator, etc. Sitting for too long can put pressure on the discs and soft tissues of the back.
Ensuring you give your body the attention it needs at the first sign of discomfort can help keep further injury away and keep pain under control. Working with your local chiropractor is a holistic, effective way to learn how your body is performing and get the care that leads to lasting results.
Chiropractic Care to Treat Sciatica in Mankato
At our Mankato chiropractic clinic, we use a variety of techniques to adjust the spine and soft tissues, relieving pain and restoring proper function. Dr. Shawn alleviates sciatica symptoms by addressing what’s causing them. By eliminating the pressure placed on the sciatic nerve, we will help recover your range of motion and reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Our chiropractic solutions often incorporate treatment plans with a combination of manual therapies, exercises, lifestyle insight, and education. With chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapies, the body will find balance and comfort.
If you’re suffering from sciatica, let us help end it. Chiropractic care is an effective option for sciatica, often providing immediate relief. We’re ready to manage your pain and get you healthy. Contact our care team today to learn more, and if you’re ready to start healing, book now.