Chiropractic for Sciatica
The largest nerve in the body runs from the lower back, down the back of each leg, connecting the foot muscles to the spinal cord. It is called the sciatic nerve. Most people are not even aware of the sciatic nerve – that is until they develop sciatica. This occurs when there is pressure put on the nerve that causes constant pain running down the back, buttocks, and leg, as well as numbness, pins, and needles, and can even cause muscle weakness in the foot of the affected side.
Anyone can develop sciatica, but there are certain people who may be more at risk of having issues with the nerve. The people who are more at risk are:
- Runners: When a person is running, the piriformis muscle that goes through the hip is constantly contracting. After a while, this can end up irritating the sciatic nerve, which lies below the piriformis.
- Middle-Aged Adults: It is very rare for anyone under the age of 30 to suffer issues with the sciatic nerve. People between the ages of 30 to 50 are the most at risk of developing sciatica.
- Sedentary Adults: Many of today’s jobs are sedentary and this puts the people who do these jobs more at risk of developing painful issues with the sciatic nerve. This is because of the amount of pressure sitting all day puts on the nerve.
- Pregnant Women: One of the most common conditions that pregnant women can struggle with while pregnant is sciatica. The growing baby, shifting organs, and extra weight puts more and more pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Patients who have sciatica can attest to how much the pain can affect their ability to enjoy the day to day activities. Sciatica can feel like a nagging toothache where the pain just doesn’t stop. A chiropractor can help anyone suffering from sciatica. While extreme cases can lead to surgery, most patients can find relief with noninvasive, chiropractic treatments, including spinal adjustments and decompression. These treatments will help reduce inflammation around the neve and help with healing.
Let a Chiropractor Help
While there are many types of symptoms and conditions that will prompt people to seek out medical attention right away, many of us tend to ignore or put off having pain issues checked out by a medical professional. Many people tend to dismiss pain as something that occurred because they must have overexerted themselves, slept on it the wrong way, or even just attribute it to getting old.
If you are suffering from chronic pain or other health conditions that you cannot find relief from, you may be considering chiropractic treatment. Call a back pain chiropractor in Gaithersburg, MD, today to schedule a consultation.
Thank you to AmeriWell Clinics for their insight into some important facts about chiropractic care.
