If you have sciatica, you know the pain and discomfort that it can cause. Sciatica can keep you from doing the things you love. At Borer Family Chiropractic in Saline, MI, one of our chiropractors will develop a treatment plan that is designed to help reduce or eliminate sciatic nerve pain.
Sciatic Nerve Pain
The sciatic nerve is a nerve that starts in your lower back and branches through the hips to the buttocks and into both legs. When pain radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, it's called sciatica. This pain is often caused by a spinal bone spur, a herniated disc, or when the spine becomes more narrow causing compression of the nerve. Nerve compression may also occur due to diabetes or a tumor. Sciatica is usually felt on just one side of the body but can occasionally occur on both sides. Sciatica pain can range from minor to severe.
The Symptoms of Sciatica
The pain follows the nerve from the lower back to the back of the leg. The pain may feel like an uncomfortable ache in one of those areas or it may feel like a burning sensation. It can also feel like an electric jolt. Sneezing or coughing can make it feel worse and the pain can be aggravated by sitting for long periods. On the side of the body that is affected, you may have tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness that presents in the foot or leg.
Risk Factors of Sciatica
Obesity can cause sciatic nerve pain by putting more stress on the spine. The natural changes that happen as we age can also cause problems such as bone spurs of the spine and herniated discs which are typical causes of this condition. Several occupations can cause this condition as well. When you have to carry large, heavy items, this can cause sciatica. If your job requires you to twist your back or spend long periods driving a vehicle, this too can cause sciatica. Also, diabetes can result in nerve damage and this can damage the sciatic nerve.
Chiropractic Care in Saline, MI
Pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve can be treated effectively through chiropractic care. One of our chiropractors will develop a treatment plan that is designed to reduce or eliminate your pain without having to rely on pain medication or invasive procedures such as surgery. Call Borer Family Chiropractic today at 734-944-7200 to schedule a consultation.