Back pain creates a lot of limitations and may impact every aspect of day-to-day life. Sciatica is a common cause and is worth discussing with a chiropractor if you’ve been struggling to identify where your pain is coming from. Below is a guide to everything you need to know on the topic, including answers to common questions patients ask.

A Guide to Sciatica

What causes it?

Sciatica refers to back pain manifesting from the sciatic nerve. This runs from the lower back and down each leg. It occurs when pressure from a herniated disc or back injury places pressure on the nerve.

People who are overweight or work jobs with a lot of heavy lifting or long periods of sitting often develop this condition. You may also be more susceptible as you age because of changes in the spine.

What are the symptoms?

Most patients deal with pain in their lower back near the spine and in their buttocks. Pain may be central or shoot down the leg, and it ranges from mild and infrequent to constant and severe. People with sciatica also experience numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in their legs or feet.

How can I reduce pain at home?

Stretching and rest are the best ways to reduce sciatica-related back pain. Variations of the pigeon pose are popular. Sit on the floor with your legs together and in front of you. Cross one leg over the other, bending at the knee.

Next, reach both arms toward your feet. Hold the pose for 15-30 seconds and then switch legs. You can perform a similar stretch by lying on your back and drawing your crossed legs toward you. Also, try lying on your back and drawing your knee toward your shoulder.

How can a chiropractor help?

A chiropractor will first investigate the cause. They’ll look for signs of a herniated disc—a condition where the soft discs between your vertebra slip out—or muscle injuries that are creating stress on the nerve.

They’ll then manually realign your spine. Sciatica rarely requires surgery and is best managed with over-the-counter pain medication and at-home exercises.

If back pain and other joint issues are a constant problem, contact Stoiber Chiropractic. This Wisconsin Rapids, WI, practice is led by Dr. Patrick G. Stoiber and Dr. Victoria A. Zueger. They’re backed by a combined 30 years of experience and can help with headache relief, sports injuries, and general pain relief. Call (715) 424-8000 to schedule a consultation or visit their website to learn more about the practice.