Sciatica can be a serious condition that impedes daily activities and lowers a patient's quality of life. It is a type of nerve pain that affects the sciatic nerve. It can be highly painful, but there are pain relief techniques available from the chiropractor. It's common to have lower back pain with this condition, but there is other pain possible as well. If you need pain relief, call our Sandy Springs, GA, chiropractor office, Horizon Health Care Group, to schedule your appointment to have your condition assessed and treated.
Nerve Pain
The sciatic nerve is a large nerve- in fact, it's the body's largest. This nerve begins in the lower back and goes downward through the buttocks and branches into the legs. When something pinches nerve, it causes pain to it, and this is sciatica. It can be caused by spinal stenosis, when the spine narrows, and it compresses the sciatic nerve. It can also be caused by a bone spur on the spin that pinches nerve or a herniated disk in the spine. Tumors can also cause this, as can diabetes. Most sufferers feel this pain on one side of their body. The pain can be anywhere from minor to severe.
The Risk Factors
When stress is put on the spine, this can cause nerve pain. This can be caused by obesity as well as natural changes occurring in the body as a patient gets older. Some major causes of this condition are herniated disks and bone spurs. However, there are also many lifestyle tasks that can lead to it. If you have a job that causes you to twist your back often, sit for long hours, or drive for long hours, these can be a cause. It can also be caused by carrying heavy, large objects often. If you have diabetes, this is a major risk factor.
Symptoms
Pain can be felt at any point along the sciatic nerve. This may be lower back pain or pain that is in the hips, buttocks, or legs. It may feel like burning, or it may be a dull ache. It can also get extremely painful with sharp pain or what feels like electric shocks. If you sit for a long time, cough, or sneeze, it can make it more painful. Anything from lower back pain to pain or muscle weakness in the leg or foot can be considered a symptom.
Visit Us for More Information
To have your condition assessed and treated by the chiropractor, call our Sandy Springs, GA, office at (404) 252-2520 for us at Horizon Health Care Group.
