How do I know if I have sciatica pain?

Sciatica pain is often felt as a sharp, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back or buttocks down one leg, accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness.

What should I avoid doing if I have sciatica?

Avoid prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, and activities that involve sudden movements or excessive bending, as it worsens sciatica.

What triggers a sciatica flare-up?

Sciatica flare-ups can be triggered by poor posture, prolonged sitting, incorrectly lifting heavy objects, or sudden movements that stress the sciatic nerve.

What is the fastest way to heal sciatica?

There is no "fast" way to heal sciatica, but a combination of rest, gentle exercises, hot or cold compresses, and over-the-counter pain relievers may help manage symptoms.

When should I see a chiropractor with sciatica?

Consider seeing a chiropractor for sciatica if you have tried at-home treatments and are still experiencing pain.

What is the best exercise for sciatica?

Exercises that stretch and strengthen the lower back and legs can help with sciatic pain.

Sciatica

Sciatica Treatment in Spartanburg

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What is Sciatica?

Sciatic pain, often referred to as sciatica, is pain that spans the length of the sciatic nerve.

The nerve runs from the lower back down the hips, across the buttocks, and down each leg. The pain usually occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated.

Trident Health & Chiropractic offers certified chiropractors and wellness experts for sciatica treatment in Spartanburg, South Carolina to help give you pain relief.

Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica occurs from irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the human body.

The most common causes of sciatica include:

Spinal Stenosis: This condition occurs when the spinal canal starts to narrow which causes pressure to develop along the sciatic nerve.
Spondylolisthesis: A vertebra slips or dislocates from its spot and compresses the sciatic nerve.
Trauma or Injury: Injuries to the spine or buttocks can cause sciatic pain and nerve root discomfort.
Herniated Discs: A herniated disk, also commonly referred to simply as a slipped disc, occurs when the interior of the disc’s soft inner core starts to seep out which then places pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Pregnancy: The added weight and pressure on the spine during pregnancy cause sciatica.
Degenerative Disc Disease: With aging, the discs located between each vertebra break down causing burn spurs to form which begin to rub and irritate the sciatic nerve.
Tumors: Tumors in the spine or pelvis can compress the sciatic nerve.
Piriformis Syndrome: Within the area of the buttocks lies the piriformis muscle. When the muscle spasms or contracts while working out or performing some other function, it can irritate the sensitive sciatic nerve.
Infections: Infections affecting the spine, such as spinal staph infections or epidural abscesses cause pain in the spinal nerves.

Symptoms of Sciatica Pain

Discomfort and pain spread along the length of the sciatic nerve.

The symptoms of sciatica include:

Radiating Pain
Lumbar Spine Pain
Burning or Tingling Sensation
Numbness of the Affected Legs or Foot
Difficulty Sitting or Standing
Pain Aggravated by Certain Movements
Muscle Weakness
Changes in Reflexes

Sciatic Treatment Choices

The treatment of sciatica varies and can include simple things such as self-care or lifestyle modifications. However, in severe cases, you should explore chiropractic adjustments and approaches.

Here are common treatment options for sciatica:

Rest
Apply heat or cold compresses such as a heating pad or cold packs
Chiropractic care such as chiropractic adjustments
Dry Needling
ThermoStim therapy
Exercise can be beneficial for relieving sciatic pain by promoting flexibility and strengthening muscles

Book an Appointment - Sciatic Treatment Spartanburg

If you suffer from sciatic pain, we encourage you to book an appointment for a physical exam and to discuss chiropractic treatment plans at Trident Health & Chiropractic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have sciatica pain?

Sciatica pain is often felt as a sharp, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back or buttocks down one leg, accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness.
What should I avoid doing if I have sciatica?

Avoid prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, and activities that involve sudden movements or excessive bending, as it worsens sciatica.
What triggers a sciatica flare-up?

Sciatica flare-ups can be triggered by poor posture, prolonged sitting, incorrectly lifting heavy objects, or sudden movements that stress the sciatic nerve.
What is the fastest way to heal sciatica?

There is no "fast" way to heal sciatica, but a combination of rest, gentle exercises, hot or cold compresses, and over-the-counter pain relievers may help manage symptoms.
When should I see a chiropractor with sciatica?

Consider seeing a chiropractor for sciatica if you have tried at-home treatments and are still experiencing pain.
What is the best exercise for sciatica?

Exercises that stretch and strengthen the lower back and legs can help with sciatic pain.