Sciatica is a common nerve condition that impacts millions of people. We see patients in our Lakeville and St Paul, MN, clinics all the time seeking sciatica relief for their back and leg pain. Fortunately, we can help. With that in mind, here is some useful information that may lead you to relief.
What are common symptoms of Sciatica?
The number one symptom most people with sciatica report is pain. But the location, severity, and type of pain may differ for each individual. The pain can range from mild to severe and be intermittent to near constant.
Sciatica pain commonly occurs in the lower back, hips, rear, and legs. But it often presents on only one side of your lower body. It may radiate from your lower back, down the back of your thigh, into your leg and sometimes into your foot or toes.
Many people describe shooting pain, almost like an electric jolt, causing difficulty when you try to rise to a standing position. A burning sensation is not uncommon. Others also experience weakness of their leg or foot. In some cases, you may feel numbness or tingling in your lower limbs.
What causes Sciatica pain?
Compression of your sciatic nerve can cause painful inflammation, as well as numbness and tingling. Different things can pinch your sciatic nerve. Some examples are a herniated disk, a bone spur in your spinal column, or spinal stenosis.
What’s a good position to relieve my sciatica pain?
First, don’t stay in one position for longer than 15 to 20 minutes during a sciatica flare-up. Try to rotate standing, sitting, and lying down. When lying down, it’s best to lie on your back with your knees bent to reduce the pressure on your sciatic nerve. Invest in comfortable shoes with good cushions to lessen your pain when standing.
What should I avoid for sciatica relief?
Be wary of home remedies and unproven therapies. Rely on sound medical advice and good health habits. These things should be avoided.
- Prolonged sitting
- Consuming foods with saturated fats that add to inflammation
- Poor posture while sitting or walking
- Long strides and walking too fast
Can stretching help with my sciatica pain?
Stretching, moderate exercise, and physical therapy are helpful in lessening sciatica symptoms. But seek medical advice first to ensure you don’t worsen your sciatica through overexertion or harmful physical activity.
How can a chiropractor help with sciatica relief?
Chiropractic treatments like spinal manipulation and massage therapy can help address the underlying cause of your sciatica pain. Our chiropractor can also prescribe stretches and exercise to support treatment and further relieve your pain at home.
Contact one of our convenient patient center locations in St Paul or Lakeville, MN to schedule an appointment and start down the path to sciatica pain relief today.