Sciatica Causes, Symptoms, and Relief Options

Sciatica refers to pain originating in the lower back that radiates down the leg along the sciatic nerve. This large nerve runs from the lower spine through the buttocks and down each leg, and irritation or compression of the nerve can cause significant discomfort. Fortunately, your chiropractor near you at Potomac Family & Sports in Ashburn, VA, can alleviate sciatica with holistic and non-invasive chiropractic care. Continue reading to learn about sciatica causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Causes of Sciatica

Several factors can contribute to sciatica, the most common being a herniated or bulging disc in the lower spine. Your discs act as cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. When the soft inner material of your discs pushes through a tear in the outer wall, it can press on the sciatic nerve and cause sciatica. Other frequent causes of sciatica include spinal stenosis, a pelvic injury or fracture, and degenerative disc disease.

Symptoms of Sciatica

The hallmark symptom of sciatica is pain along the path of the sciatic nerve. Many people describe this pain as sharp, burning, or radiating. Movements like bending over, twisting, or standing for extended periods can worsen sciatica pain. You may also experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg when dealing with sciatica. Some people have difficulty controlling their bowel or bladder function in severe instances.

Chiropractic Care for Sciatica Relief

Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive and holistic approach to relieving sciatica. Our chiropractor will determine the underlying causes of your sciatica symptoms and develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. This plan may include spinal adjustments, massage therapy, and therapeutic stretches and exercises to improve mobility, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain.

Spinal adjustments aim to correct misalignments in the spine that contribute to pressure on the sciatic nerve. Doing this can reduce pain and improve your range of motion. Massage therapy helps relax muscles that cause nerve impingement and reduced mobility. Therapeutic stretches and exercises improve flexibility and core strength to promote better spinal alignment. These also help reduce the risk of future sciatica episodes.

Get Lasting Sciatica Relief Today by Visiting Potomac Family & Sports

If you are experiencing sciatic pain and need a “chiropractor near you” for effective treatment, look no further than Potomac Family & Sports in Ashburn, VA. Our chiropractor can develop a personalized treatment plan to alleviate pain and restore your range of motion. Call us and schedule a consultation today at (703) 406-8686 to get back on the road to recovery with chiropractic care.