Most Common Symptoms of Sciatica

Most Common Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica is a common condition that causes moderate to severe back pain. This condition occurs when something presses on the sciatic nerve. It is often present in people with a herniated disc. If you have a bone spur or a narrowing of the spine that compresses part of the sciatic nerve, you will feel the pain. At Optimal Health Chiropractic and Massage in Edmonds, our expert chiropractors can help you heal from your sciatica.

What Are the Symptoms of Sciatica?

Radiating Pain: Sciatica causes pain felt throughout your lower spine, buttock, and in the back of your leg. The pain can vary from minor to severe.

Jolting Pain: There are some people who have pain that feels like a jolt or an electric shock.

Numbness and Tingling: Numbness and tingling in the affected leg are common. Some people experience numbness in one part of their leg and tingling in the other.

Worsened Pain: Many people experience more pain when they cough, sneeze, or when they sit down for prolonged periods of time.

Bowel and Bladder Issues: In severe cases, trouble controlling the bladder or bowels can occur.

Who is at Risk of Developing Sciatica?

There are a few factors that can put you at risk of developing sciatica. These include:

Age: As you get older, your spine can change, causing you to develop bone spurs, a herniated disc, or spinal stenosis.

Obesity: When you are putting excess weight on your spine, it can cause spinal changes.

Sedentary Lifestyle: If you spend most of your day sitting down, you are at risk of developing sciatica.

Diabetes: If you have diabetes, the disease puts you at greater risk for nerve damage.

How is Sciatica Treated?

There are a variety of treatment options for sciatica. Medication, physical therapy, and steroid injections are common treatments. Many people find chiropractic adjustment to be very helpful. If the condition is severe and it is interfering with your bladder or bowel functions, surgery might be necessary.

If You Have Sciatic Nerve Pain, We Can Help

If you are suffering from sciatica, you should make an appointment with Optimal Health Chiropractic and Massage in Edmonds. Our chiropractor can create a treatment plan designed especially for you. After the first visit, you should notice an improvement in your sciatic nerve pain. Not only can we help you feel better, but we can improve your quality of life.

Do you know someone that has benefited from chiropractic care for their sciatic nerve pain? Let us know in the comments.