How Do You Know If You Have Sciatica?
Sciatica
If you have sciatica, you probably already know that you have it! The term sciatica typically means pain that runs down your leg – it can be a painful throb to a deep burn and is very debilitating. It can involve the entire leg or just the buttock; it can skip the thigh but be very intense in the calf. Typically, any movement is almost impossible and your life and work is definitely disrupted.
What is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It runs from your lower back and pelvis, through your hip area and buttocks and down each leg.
As with most conditions the main symptoms indicate a deeper underlying causative factor. The same is true for sciatica. The worst case scenario is that you may have an injured disc or nerve. A swollen disc or misaligned bone can compress the nerve resulting in the pain radiating to the leg.
There also is the possibility that a muscle (piriformis) can be compressing the sciatic nerve. This would be called Piriformis Syndrome.
As the nerve is compressed numbness and tingling can occur. In worsening cases muscular weakness in the leg can occur making walking a risky task. At times the muscles of the leg can waste away and at this point surgery may be your only option.
How Do You Treat Sciatica?
Sciatica requires immediate attention and a doctor that is professionally trained in the evaluation and treatment of low back condition and sciatica. Special test and diagnostic studies are required in most cases to make an accurate diagnosis.
Early evaluation and treatment is a must, otherwise long standing health issue can arise.
Once a proper and accurate diagnosis is made treatment can begin. Many times chiropractic care and lifestyle changes are the best option. Specific stretching exercises, core strength and stabilization exercises are vitally important for the best results.
Dr. Bagnell has training in the latest techniques to aggressively treat sciatica.