How We Can Treat Your Sciatica
Sciatica, also referred to as sciatic nerve pain, is a lower extremity pain from the irritation of the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the body. Typically affecting one side, this pain is normally felt from the lower back down the rear thigh; sometimes extending below the knee. Depending on the location of the affected area, the pain can also extend to the foot and toes. Our chiropractor near Mt. Sinai can help treat your sciatic nerve pain and bring you pain-free solutions.
What are the symptoms?
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- Lumbar pain (lower back)
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- Hip pain
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- One-sided buttock pain
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- Leg pain
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- Weakness, numbness or difficulty during leg or foot movement
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- Worsens when sitting
- Burning or tingling down the leg
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- Leg pain
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- Weakness, numbness, or difficulty during leg or foot movement
- Difficulty standing up from shooting pains
Severe cases of sciatica can make the basic movement of walking difficult, sometimes even impossible. Symptoms can be aggravated by walking or bending down, and they can be relieved by lying down.
What are the causes?
Although it is caused by lower extremity irritation, other common causes include:
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- Lumbar spinal stenosis – narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal
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- Degenerative disc disease – pain as a result of a damaged disc
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- Spondylolisthesis – lower vertebrae (bone) slips forward onto the bone directly beneath it
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- Pregnancy
- Back or rear muscle spasms
Being overweight, lack of exercise, wearing heels, and sleeping on a mattress that is either too soft or too hard can also worsen back pain.
Treatment
Depending on the severity of your sciatica, there are different ways to treat the pain which accompanies it. If your pain isn’t stopping you from completing basic functions and activities, Dr. Argeropoulos may recommend a combination of basic at-home remedies:
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- Bed rest – Traditionally, for those with acute sciatica, it’s a common cure. You may be advised to stay off your feet for a few days and lie on a firm mattress, or even the floor.
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- Chiropractic – Dr. Argeropoulos can utilize a variety of different chiropractic techniques in order to reduce any pain you feel.
- Hot and cold packs – Apply a pack to your lower back, starting with cold packs for the first few days, then shift to heat.
Speak with our chiropractor near Mt. Sinai, Dr. Sophia Argeropoulos, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above. She will be able to determine the severity of your pain and establish a solution. Contact us today to start treatment!
