What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica pain can range from being a nuisance to being truly debilitating, and if left untreated, the conditions that are causing the sciatica pain can worsen. A chiropractor in Naples, FL is an essential component of treating your sciatica pain. If you’d like to learn more about sciatica and how a chiropractor can help provide relief, read on.

SCIATICA SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

Sciatica pain usually starts in the low back and radiates down into one or both legs. It’s common with many types of back pain. Sciatica can flare up immediately after an injury or appear slowly over a period of weeks, months or even years.

There are five pairs of nerves that exit the spine in the low back that form the two sciatic nerves. The cause of sciatica pain usually originates in the soft, pulpy discs between the spinal bone, as well as in spinal misalignment. The discs in your spine can bulge, herniate or even rupture, which puts direct pressure on nearby nerves. When the sciatic nerve is affected, you may feel anything from a mild ache to sharp, severe pain in the low back, and the feeling can radiate down one or both legs. You may also feel numbness, tingling or weakness in your leg or foot.

TREATING LOW BACK PAIN AND SCIATICA

The good news is that sciatica is very treatable, and a chiropractor in Naples, FL can help to considerably alleviate the pain you’re feeling. A series of chiropractic adjustments will improve joint motion, and this simple treatment has produced exceptional results for millions. When you visit a chiropractor, the physician will be able to evaluate and reduce the most common causes of sciatica. The chiropractor’s unique skills and body of knowledge is essential in determining and correcting the underlying causes of your sciatica, so you don’t just treat the symptoms, but eliminate the cause.

In addition to visiting your chiropractor, you may find that home remedies will speed the process of healing as well as alleviate pain. Your chiropractor in Naples, FL can suggest many good stretches that target low back pain and provide sciatica pain relief. You may also find that cold packs or hot packs provide relief for your lower back. Your medical doctor may also prescribe you anti-inflammatory medication or muscle relaxants, which can help relieve pain although it won’t do anything to reduce the mechanical irritation of the nerve. It’s important to uses the common sense philosophy, “if it hurts don’t do it” until you can get to a chiropractor for good advice and treatment. Physical therapy, massage therapy and even acupuncture may also provide some relief.

Hiler Chiropractic & Neurology provides the Naples area with comprehensive chiropractic care, physical medicine and regenerative medicine. We are consistently furthering our education and techniques to improve the care you receive in our office. If you suffer from chronic pain like low back pain and sciatica, visiting a chiropractor is your best option for recovery. We have the skills and experience to help you work toward your health goals. Give our office a call today to schedule a consultation.