What is Sciatica, And How Do I Stop The Pain?

Sciatica is the name given to pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is usually caused by a compressed nerve root in the lower spine, and anything that irritates this nerve can cause pain, ranging from mild to severe.

There are two types of categories of sciatic pain:

• Acute sciatica (short-term) lasting 4-8 weeks.
• Chronic sciatica (long term) lasting for 8 weeks or more.

The main symptom of sciatica is a shooting pain anywhere along the sciatic nerve. That can range from the lower back, through the buttock, and down the back of either leg. This pain can range from a mild ache to severe debilitating pain.

There are several reasons why someone might suffer from sciatic pain. This may be the result of something as simple as bad posture, muscle strain or spasm, a sports injury, car accident, being overweight, sleeping on a too soft mattress, or a simple sneeze, cough, bend, or lift, if you are out of shape and have a weak core. More seriously the sciatic pain maybe caused by a slipped disc in the back.

Pain from sciatica can change on a daily basis: it can be shooting, burning, sharp, dull, non-stop, or intermittent.  Many people complain of intense and acute pain, while others experience a numb and weak feeling in the parts of their leg where it hurts. This may sometimes indicate more serious neurological problems.

Your health care practitioner; chiropractor or physiotherapist can check the spine for areas of tenderness, and test for sensation, coordination, and muscle strength. Sciatica can be relieved by treating symptoms and any specific causes that exists, such as a slipped disc.

The healthcare practitioners at Diversified Health use manual therapy as well as numerous modalities, such as the Kennedy Spinal Decompression Table,  (provides relief to severe back pain sufferers by gently reducing the pressure within the spinal discs) Dry Needling, Laser therapy, and eToims Therapy, when treating Sciatica pain.

Moderate exercise will be recommended when pain is minimal, and when acute symptoms have lessened. Rehab therapy will be suggested to help strengthen abdominal and back muscles, which is important to prevent a return of these symptoms.