It is estimated that as many as 10% of people reporting lower back pain have sciatica—a symptom that occurs when the sciatic nerve is irritated. The sciatic nerve is the longest in the human body; it stretches from the lower back down to the lower leg. In addition to back pain, individuals with sciatica may experience dull, ache, burning, sharp, numbness, or tingling pains within their buttocks, thighs, calves, and feet.

What Causes Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve can be irritated in many different areas of the body. For example, the nerve may cause a misalignment in the lumbar spine, by a bulging or herniated disc, or within tense muscles.

In many cases, sciatica is a consequence of overusing muscle, poor posture, or a traumatic injury. However, it can also be an effect of a chronic condition that affects the spine. These conditions may include degenerative disc disease (osteo arthritis), herniated discs, lumbar spinal stenosis.

How Does Sciatica Impact Spinal Health?

While many spinal disorders are known to trigger sciatica, experiencing this symptom can also have an impact on one’s spinal health.

For example, when people experience low back pain as a result of sciatica, they will often change their posture to relieve discomfort. Over time, this poor posture may cause spinal misalignment. In addition to chronic pain, misalignment's of the spine can contribute to a wide range of adverse health effects—such as headaches, neck pain, arm pain,  mid back, low back pain or leg pain.

What Treatment Options Are Available for Sciatica?

There are several different ways to address sciatica, many of which are provided by chiropractors—doctors that are trained in finding misalignments of the spine putting irritation or pressure on the nerves.

After a thorough examination of the spine, chiropractors will locate the misalignment and the area of nerve irritation and develop a customized care plan. If a spinal misalignment is the cause, a chiropractic adjustment may be provided to relieve pressure on the nerves and ease vertebral joint inflammation. Other common treatments include stretching, massage, and strengthening exercises.

If you are suffering from back pain, turn to the services of Heartland Family Chiropractic, PLLC in Elizabethtown, KY. Offering patients nearly two decades worth of experience, Adam T. Fulkerson, D.C. is a trusted chiropractor that can accurately pinpoint the source of your symptoms—including pinched nerves, spinal misalignment, and muscle injury. To learn more about these services—such as chiropractic adjustments and spinal decompression—visit this clinic online. For consultation appointments, call (270) 234-8880.