Although a lot of us probably understand that sciatica comes with a lot of pain, it seems to be less common that someone knows exactly what sciatica actually is. With so many different pain conditions that someone can develop, it can be difficult to do your own research about them, or even keep track of some of them. When you have multiple disorders that you have learned about, it can be easy to mix them up on a fairly regular basis. This is why we want to help you learn about this issue and how you can identify it in yourself to see if you should seek chiropractic care.
The term sciatica references the sciatic nerve, which stretches from your lower back through to your hips, buttocks, and down both legs. When you have pain that travels along this nerve, it is called sciatica. There can be any number of reasons for this pain, but it is most commonly caused by either a herniated disk, bone spurs, or a narrowing of the spine. These three issues may be relatively common, but that doesn’t mean they’re not painful. In fact, the pain from sciatica can be, and often is, debilitating. The swelling and numbness that accompanies sciatica are concerning enough that you should always take the first sign of symptoms seriously and not wait to look for medical care.
Normally, the symptoms of sciatica are strangely straightforward yet confusing at the same time. People often experience pain that radiates down their leg from the spine, but may also experience numbness, muscle weakness, or tingling in the leg. People may have more than one of those symptoms in different spots in the leg. The pain can feel like anything from a mild ache to sharp, shooting pain, or a burning sensation, or even an electrical shock. It may feel more intense if you sit for extended periods of time, if you stand for too long, or if your body shudders, as if with a cough or sneeze. These widely varying symptoms are why you need to go see a doctor and get a proper diagnosis.
If you suspect you may be suffering from sciatica, call DiBella Chiropractic. Surgery is rarely needed, but having a doctor’s care is necessary for something like this that has an impact on your life. If your back hurts, you are going to have trouble going through even your simplest tasks of the day. Come in and see how much better we can make you feel!
