Sciatica Q & A

​

What is Sciatica?

​

Sciatica is radiating pain along your sciatic nerve pathway, which begins in your lower back and branches through your buttocks and each leg. 

​

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.

​

​

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

​

Sciatica often presents as one or more of the following symptoms:

​

• Shooting pain

• Pain when you cough or sneeze

• Weakness

• Numbness

• Burning

• Tingling

• Radiating pain

• Sharp or mild pain

• An electric shock

​

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.

​

What are the risk factors for sciatica?

​

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

​

Possible complications associated with sciatica include leg weakness, loss of feeling in your leg, or loss of bladder or bowel function. 

​

How is sciatica diagnosed?

​

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.

​

What is the treatment for sciatica?

​

After diagnosing the cause of chronic pain, your Complete Wellness provider may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

​

• 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.
  
   

​

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.

​