Sciatica
Sciatica Q & A
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What is Sciatica?
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Sciatica is radiating pain along your sciatic nerve pathway, which begins in your lower back and branches through your buttocks and each leg.
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The pain often affects just one side of your body and may result from a herniated disc, spine narrowing, or a bone spur that compresses part of your nerve.
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What are the symptoms of sciatica?
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Sciatica often presents as one or more of the following symptoms:
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Shooting pain
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Pain when you cough or sneeze
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Weakness
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Numbness
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Burning
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Tingling
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Radiating pain
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Sharp or mild pain
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An electric shock
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Pain associated with sciatica can occur in your lower back, buttocks, legs, and even your toes. The discomfort may travel from your back down one leg.
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What are the risk factors for sciatica?
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Anybody can develop sciatica, but the following factors appear to increase your risk of experiencing it:
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Being obese or overweight
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Having diabetes
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Prolonged sitting
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Older age
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Carrying heavy loads
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Possible complications associated with sciatica include leg weakness, loss of feeling in your leg, or loss of bladder or bowel function.
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How is sciatica diagnosed?
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To help diagnose sciatica, the Complete Wellness team reviews your symptoms and medical history. They complete an exam and may have you perform specific exercises, or complete imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, electrical impulse tests, or CT scans.
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What is the treatment for sciatica?
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After diagnosing the cause of chronic pain, your Complete Wellness provider may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
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Heat or ice therapy - Using heat or ice therapy helps reduce inflammation and pain associated with sciatica. Try alternating heat with ice treatments.
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Physical therapy - Your Complete Wellness specialist demonstrates strength exercises and stretches that offer pain relief and build strength to prevent future sciatica pain.
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Chiropractic adjustments - Chiropractic adjustments involve your Complete Wellness specialist placing controlled pressure on areas of your spine to realign it and relieve stress on your sciatic nerve.
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Massage - Massage helps relax you, break up tight tissues in your back, and relieve sciatic nerve pressure for pain relief.
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Don’t live with sciatica pain when holistic solutions are available at Complete Wellness. Schedule an appointment by phone today or use the online booking tool.