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Sciatica

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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

  • Pain when you cough or sneeze

  • Weakness

  • Numbness

  • Burning

  • Tingling

  • Radiating pain

  • Sharp or mild pain

  • 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:

  • Being obese or overweight 

  • Having diabetes

  • Prolonged sitting

  • Older age

  • 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.

  • Physical therapy - Your Complete Wellness specialist demonstrates strength exercises and stretches that offer pain relief and build strength to prevent future sciatica pain.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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