If you have ever suffered from or are currently suffering from sciatica then you know how painful and debilitating it can be. Sciatica can often be confused with hip pain. Interestingly the word is derived from the Latin word ischiadicus which translates “of pain in the hip”.
What exactly is Sciatica?
The Sciatic nerve runs from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down the back of each leg. Sciatica symptoms most often occur when the large sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed in the lumbar spine, causing constant pain in only one side of the buttocks or legs. Pain is usually worse when sitting and can be accompanied by muscle weakness, numbness and difficulty moving the leg or foot, or sharp pain that may make it difficult to stand up or walk.
The incidence of sciatica increases in middle age, it rarely happens before 20, and the probability of experiencing sciatic pain peaks in the 50s, then decreases. Often a particular movement or exercise does not cause sciatica, but rather it tends to develop overtime. Most common causes of sciatica symptoms come from being overweight, not exercising regularly or sleeping on a mattress that is too soft. Women also tend to suffer from sciatica symptoms when pregnant or due to wearing high heels.
How Chiropractic care can help?
There is a scientific principle that states “restricted movement leads to pain, reduced function and performance”. Chiropractic treatments help the body’s potential to heal itself and it is non-invasive and drug free. Chiropractors choose the type of therapy provided depending on the cause of the patient’s sciatica symptoms. There are different plans for this, such as untrasound, EMS ( electrical muscle stimulation), application of ice to reduce inflammation and most importantly, spinal adjustments to reduce pressure off the sciatic nerve.
How long will it take to get better?
Of course it is always better to be proactive and schedule regular visits to detect and help correct new problems before they become serious. If you are coming to seek chiropartic care when you already are in pain, the healing process will take more time and varies depending on the severity of your condition. The amount of time depends on the severity of the condition and how well your body recuperates. The more active and compliant you are in your own treatment will often dictate how quickly you will get better. Most people who experience sciatica symptoms start feeling improvements within a few weeks from the start of treatment, however it is of the utmost importance that they follow the Doctor’s reccommendations for quickest results in the shortest amount of time.
If you are currently suffering from Sciatica, it is important that you seek the help of a Chiropractor right away. If you have had the condition in the past, then you want to make sure that you keep your weight down, exercise regularly and get regular spinal checkups to avoid recurrence.