People often use sciatica as an umbrella term for all back pain, but it is a more specific issue involving irritation of the sciatic nerve. This nerve is the longest in the body, running from the lower back to the upper calf. Knowing if you have sciatica will help you and your chiropractor find the best method for treatment and prevention.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is a symptom, not a condition; it is pain caused by the irritation of the sciatic nerve. Irritation may be caused by back issues such as herniated discs, foraminal stenosis, or segmental instability. People who are tall and overweight or have poor posture are susceptible to sciatica pain.

Because the nerve is so long, you may feel the pain anywhere in your lower back, buttock, or leg. Usually felt on just one side of the body, it can range in severity and may flare up after sitting for a long time. You may also feel a tingling sensation in your feet or toes, or the leg may feel numb along the nerve. 

How to Treat It

Treatment of sciatica may include management of the back pain using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, alternating hot and cold compresses, and light exercise. Long-term results require treating the cause of the irritation, so that will need to be diagnosed. For example, a chiropractor can treat a herniated disc by realigning the spine and removing the pressure on the nerve root.

How to Prevent It

If normal treatment methods are ineffective and the back pain keeps returning, there are several things you can do to prevent further pain. Surgical options provide more intensive results. Lumbar laminectomy widens the spinal cord in the lower back to reduce pressure, while a discectomy removes the herniated disk. You may also use physical therapy to keep the spine in alignment without causing pressure on the sciatic nerve. Practice good posture, and remember to get up and stretch if you’re sitting for a long time.

Dr. Bill Wright at Cornhusker Chiropractic PC treats sciatica and its causes in Lincoln, NE. He has more than 30 years of experience providing effective chiropractic care for holistic and long-term results. His treatment is patient-focused, with a range of methods to manage your neck and back pain. Learn more about their services online and call (402) 466-1288 to schedule an appointment.