Sciatica

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is the nerve pain caused by the irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the biggest nerve in the human body and controls muscles in the back of the knee and lower legs. Generally, sciatica can cause pain in the lower back, behind the thigh or below the knee. It can develop with time or can occur suddenly. Moreover, sciatica is a symptom, not a condition.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica can result in pain in the hips, legs, lumbar, or buttock. Usually, sciatica affects only one side of your body. In the case of severe sciatica, it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to walk. Walking or bending can aggravate the symptoms of sciatica while lying down can relieve them. Changing positions can partially relieve the numbness and pain.

The most common symptoms of sciatica are:

  • Pain in the lower back
  • Constant pain in the back of the thigh
  • Numbness or tingling in the leg
  • Pain in one side or both sides of the hip
  • Difficulty in moving the leg
  • Pain while standing up

Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica occurs if there is any sort of inflammation or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc. However, there are many other causes of sciatica:

  • Spondylolisthesis – slipping of vertebra
  • Spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal canal
  • Degenerative disc disease – damage to the disc
  • Osteophyte
  • Back or hip muscle spasm
  • Pregnancy

Prevention of Sciatica at Home

Sciatica may be challenging to prevent. But there are a few things that you can do at home. These are

  • Regular Exercise
  • Apply heat and cold to loosen up muscles and reduce the inflammation
  • Maintain good posture while sitting
  • Lose weight

Chiropractic Care for Sciatica

Chiropractic adjustments can provide relief from sciatica pain by realigning your spin and taking the pressure off your sciatic nerve. The main aim of chiropractic treatment is helping the body heal itself from within. Chiropractic adjustments improve flexibility and range of motion, thereby improving your quality of life.