Chronic pain can be difficult to live with as it can get in the way of your daily routine. Sciatica is no different. Sciatica is a common condition that causes pain along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. If you are experiencing sciatic nerve pain then you will know how debilitating the pain can be. Sciatica can occur when the nerves that run down your lower back to your legs become inflamed or compressed, leading to sciatic nerve pain. This condition can be serious; the pain associated with sciatica can be extremely uncomfortable and can even lead to surgery in some cases.
But what is sciatica? If you think you are suffering from this condition and want to know what is the best treatment for sciatica then keep reading. In this blog from Active Care Chiropractic we explore what to do for sciatic nerve pain as well as what causes sciatica, so you can be fully aware of this condition. Understanding sciatica is crucial in being able to manage the pain that comes with this condition and discovering the best sciatica treatments available.
What Is Sciatica?
So you think you might have this condition, but exactly what is sciatica? Sciatica is used to describe the pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest in the body, starting from your lower spine all the way down through the back of each leg. When this nerve becomes injured or irritated, it can result in pain, tingling or numbness in your lower back, buttocks and/or your legs. People with sciatica typically only experience symptoms on one side of their body and can vary from a mild ache to a sharp more intense pain. If it is in both legs this can be more serious and needs looking at straight away.
Types of sciatica
The type of sciatica you have will depend on the underlying cause and how long you’ve been experiencing sciatica symptoms for. It’s important to know what kind your sciatic nerve pain is so you can seek the most appropriate treatments.
- Acute sciatica
This type of sciatica is normally short-term and can last anywhere from 4-8 weeks. This can either be brought on by a recent injury or a sudden movement, and some cases can be managed at home, although it’s better to start treatment as soon as possible.
- Chronic sciatica
Having chronic sciatica is usually characterised by having sciatic nerve pain for longer than a couple of months. Chronic sciatica could also be a result of an ongoing health issue such as a herniated disc.
- Alternating sciatica
Experiencing sciatic nerve pain that affects both legs alternatively is referred to as alternating sciatica. Although most people experience sciatica pain in only one side or one leg or the other, for some people it can switch.
- Bilateral sciatica
Although this is rare, bilateral sciatica is sciatic nerve pain that occurs in both legs at the same time. This could be caused by more serious conditions such as cauda equina syndrome which is a medical emergency, if you have this it’s important to see a medical professional as soon as possible.
What Causes Sciatica?
If you think you are dealing with this condition then you’re probably wondering: what causes sciatica? You may be surprised to know that there are a number of causes, as sciatica can develop from any condition that affects the sciatic nerve. When the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, this can lead to the pain associated with sciatica.
Here are some of the common conditions that causes sciatica:
- Herniated Discs
- Spinal Stenosis
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Cauda equina syndrome
- Osteoarthritis
- Injuries
- Tumours
- Pregnancy
People At Risk Of Sciatica
Although sciatica can be caused by many different conditions, there are some risks that can lead to people developing sciatic nerve pain. Being aware of the potential causes is a great way to make sure you can prevent this from occurring. Here are some of the potential risks to keep in mind:
- Injury
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Poor posture
- Diabetes
Sciatica Symptoms
Sciatica symptoms can vary from person to person, however some of the common sciatica symptoms include a sharp shooting pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down the leg. You may also experience numbness or a tingling sensation in the leg, as well weakness in the affected leg or foot. It can also cause difficulty moving as the severe pain can make it hard to stand up or walk.
The Best Sciatica Treatments
You’re probably wondering, what is the best treatment for sciatica? When it comes to sciatica treatments the aim is to relieve pain and improve mobility, but you should always consult a doctor before pursuing any sciatica treatments. If you’re wondering what to do for sciatic nerve pain here are some treatments that might work for you:
- At home treatments:
If your sciatica is mild, then you may find it beneficial to perform some at home remedies alongside your sciatica treatments. Warm compresses and ice packs can help to ease the pain and swelling associated with sciatica in the early stages. You may also want to opt for over the counter medicines such as anti inflammatory drugs which can reduce inflammation. Although it’s important to note that you shouldn’t rely only on at home treatments on their own, for best results, use them alongside treatments prescribed by a professional – always consult a doctor before starting any treatment plan.
- Medications
Your doctor may prescribe you medication to help manage the pain associated with sciatica. They may suggest painkillers or muscle relaxers, which can be an effective way to ease discomfort. Some medications may cause side effects so be sure to speak to your GP if you have any concerns with taking medication.
- Physical therapy
Physical therapy can be helpful in easing sciatic nerve pain, the aim is to reduce the pressure on the nerves which can help to reduce pain and discomfort. They may perform stretching exercises which can help improve mobility and nerve functions.
- Red light therapy
Red light therapy can treat sciatica by using low-level wavelengths of light to reduce pain and inflammation. This treatment is non-invasive and can be highly attractive compared to other alternatives like medication that just masks the pain, as this treatment will help to heal the problem naturally. Contact Active Care for more information on this treatment.
- Surgery
If you’ve tried other treatment options we’ve talked about here and your sciatica hasn’t improved after six to eight weeks, your doctor may refer you to get surgery for severe sciatica. Surgery can help to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.
What To Do For Sciatic Nerve Pain To Prevent It Coming Back
After sciatica treatments are successful, it’s a good idea to try and prevent it from coming back. Although this is not always possible, there are steps you can take to protect yourself including:
- Improve posture:
Maintaining good posture throughout the day can help prevent sciatica as it can relieve the pressure put on the nerves and soft tissues in your lower back. Seeing a chiropractor like Active Care for adjustments or soft tissue techniques can help improve posture, release tension and relieve inflammation.
- Exercise regularly:
Regularly taking part in physical activity provides numerous health benefits, including preventing conditions like sciatica from reoccurring. Strengthening the muscles that support your back can take the pressure off the spine and surrounding tissues, preventing the sciatic nerve from flaring up.
- Maintain a healthy weight:
You will know that maintaining a healthy weight is important for your overall well being, but this can also help to reduce any excess stress on the spine. By relieving the pressure on the sciatic nerve you can help prevent pain from occurring.
- Avoid prolonged sitting:
Sitting for long periods of time can increase the pressure on your spine and may cause a herniated disc. This can irritate the sciatic nerves and lead to pain.
See Active Care For Sciatica Treatments
If you’re wondering what is the best treatment for sciatica then look no further! At Active Care Chiropractic, we have years of experience in treating patients with chronic pain, so if you’re suffering from sciatica then our chiropractors can help you on your journey to becoming pain free.
Not only that but we use red light therapy to target specific areas or your whole body, which you can use alongside other sciatica treatments, helping your body heal so you can manage sciatic nerve pain more effectively. If you are suffering from sciatica, our experienced team is here to help you find relief and improve your quality of life. Nobody should have to live with pain. Get in touch with Active Care today and get back to feeling like yourself again!
