The 5 Most Common Side Effects of Sciatica
Sciatica is a condition that can cause a lot of pain in the lower back and legs. It is often due to nerve compression in the spine. In this blog post, we will discuss the 5 most common side effects of sciatica. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment with Advanced Chiropractic & Rehab today!Â
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a condition that can cause pain in the lower back and legs. It is often due to nerve compression in the spine. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down the legs. When this nerve suffers compression, it can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs.
Causes
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes pinched. Mayo Clinic explains the cause is usually a herniated disk in the spine or an overgrowth of bone, sometimes called bone spurs, form on the spinal bones. More rarely, a tumor can put pressure on the nerve. Or a disease such as diabetes can damage the nerve. Other causes could include:
- Spinal stenosis – a conditional that narrows the spinal canal
- Misalignment – When one vertebrae in the back slips over another, the sciatic nerve could be at risk
- Herniated discs – A bulging spinal disc puts a lot of pressure on nearby nerves
- Bones spurs-rough edges on the vertebra
Risk factors
Risk factors for sciatica include:
- Age. Age-related changes in the spine, such as herniated disks and bone spurs, are the most common causes of sciatica.
- Obesity. Being overweight increases stress on the spine.
- Occupation. A job that requires twisting the back, carrying heavy loads or driving a motor vehicle for long periods might play a role in sciatica.
- Prolonged sitting. People who sit a lot or don’t move much are more likely to develop sciatica than active people are.
- Diabetes. This condition, which affects the way the body uses blood sugar, increases the risk of nerve damage.
The 5 Most Common Side Effects of Sciatica
When it comes to sciatica, there are a few different side effects that are more common than others. Here are the 5 most common side effects of sciatica:
1. Pain
The most common symptom of sciatica is pain. This pain can range from mild to severe. It is often described as a sharp, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back and down the leg. The pain may be worse when you sit, stand, or walk. You may also experience muscle weakness or numbness in the affected leg.
2. Numbness
Sciatica can cause numbness or tingling in the leg. This is caused by pressure on the nerve. The numbness may feel like an electrical shock that radiates down the leg.
3. Muscle weakness
Sciatica can cause muscle weakness in the leg. This is caused by pressure on the nerve. The weakness can feel like your leg is giving out.
4. Difficulty moving
Sciatica can make it difficult to move your leg or foot. This is caused by pressure on the nerve. The difficulty moving may make it difficult to walk or stand.
5. Inflammation
Sciatica can cause inflammation in the leg. This is caused by pressure on the nerve. The inflammation may make the pain worse. Inflammation is the body’s response to injury. It can cause redness, warmth, swelling, and pain.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment with Advanced Chiropractic & Rehab today! We can help you find relief from your sciatica pain!
Sciatica Treatment
The team at Advanced Chiropractic & Rehab offers a variety of treatments for sciatica. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. Some of the treatments we offer include:
- Exercise plans that help you build muscle strength without further damage to the nerve
- Recommendations for heat and cold therapy to relieve irritation
- Chiropractic care and massage to eliminate the compression on the nerve
- Safe Sarapin injections that stop overwhelming pain so other treatments can be applied
What to Expect at Your Appointment
When you arrive for your first visit, Dr. Miller or a member of the Advanced Chiropractic and Rehab team will spend time with you collecting your patient history. This information will help your Advanced Chiropractic and Rehab Team know how significant your sciatica problem is and how best to help you. The Team at Advanced Chiropractic and Rehab has a lot of experience with sciatica, but we will also need your participation in your care for the best results.
Make an Appointment with Advanced Chiropractic & Rehab
If you are suffering from sciatica, the team at Advanced Chiropractic & Rehab can help! We offer a variety of treatment options that are tailored to your individual needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment! We look forward to helping you find relief from your pain.
