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The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body, running from the lower back all the way down both legs and into the feet. Any time it gets damaged or compressed, the result can be moderate to severe sciatic pain, which is known as sciatica. Many people experience the symptoms associated with sciatica but are unaware of how to distinguish it from regular back pain. Here are a few of the most common signs your discomfort is caused by a problem with the sciatic nerve. 

How to Tell if You Have Sciatica

1. Radiating Pain 

The trademark symptom of sciatica is pain that radiates from the lower back down to the back of the leg. It can be a shooting pain that comes and goes or a constant dull ache. Sciatic pain typically only affects one side of the body at a time and tends to intensify when sitting, standing, sneezing, or coughing.

2. Muscle Weakness 

sciatic painOne of the most important jobs that the sciatic nerve has is to control several muscles in the back of the knees and lower legs. If it’s being compressed, it can no longer do this. As such, muscle weakness might develop, making it difficult to stand or walk for long periods of time or raise the leg straight out. 

3. Numbness or Tingling 

Sciatic pain might also cause numbness anywhere along the back, hip, upper thigh, or back of the leg. There could also be a tingling sensation in the leg or foot that resembles the pins-and-needles feeling that occurs after an extremity has fallen asleep. This generally indicates something is interfering with your sciatic nerve. 

4. Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control

In serious cases of sciatica, patients may lose total control over their bladder and bowel movements. This means the spinal column is putting significant pressure on the nerve. Though it’s rare, this can result in permanent damage to bladder and bowel function, so it’s critical to seek treatment right away.

 

If you are experiencing persistent sciatic pain, chiropractic care can help provide you with relief. The professionals at Chiropractic Associates of Platteville are trained to find the root cause of your sciatica and determine the most effective treatment method. They use a variety of techniques, including spinal manipulation, decompression, and cold therapy, to alleviate the pressure on the nerve and restore its function. Since the 1950s, residents throughout Grant County, WI, have relied on their chiropractors for natural pain solutions. Call (608) 348-3156 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about the services they offer.  

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