Sciatica is a condition that happens when surrounding tissue puts pressure on the body’s largest nerve - the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve, which runs through your lower spine, hips/buttocks, and legs, can create pain that is quite difficult to ignore as it can impact someone when standing and walking and can often be worse when sitting because the stretched muscle increases pressure. If you live or work in and around Salinas, CA, Dr. Charles Dillon of Dillon Chiropractic Office can diagnose the cause of sciatic pain and help relieve its symptoms.
The Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica’s symptoms can manifest in the lower back/hip area, buttocks, and legs. The pain, which can be constant or intermittent, is often described as numbness, shooting, or a tingling/burning sensation in the afflicted area. In addition, sciatica may create muscle weakness and muscle spasms, although the intensity varies from patient to patient.
The reality is that while Sciatica is a recognized condition, it is often just a manifestation or symptom of another underlying condition – a condition that places pressure on the nerve and causes pain and discomfort.
Potential Causes of Sciatic Pain
If you are experiencing the pain associated with sciatica, the potential cause may include one or more of the following -
- A herniated, or slipped spinal disc
- Degenerating spinal discs
- Tightened muscles, which create trigger points of pain
- Poor posture, including extended sitting
- Wearing high heels
- Pregnancy
In certain situations, the symptoms of Sciatica may improve, given time, without the need for medical intervention. However, because sciatic pain is a symptom and not the root cause of the pain/discomfort, it’s best to seek a chiropractor’s evaluation, diagnosis, and guidance to also treat the underlying cause of the pain using these therapies –
- Chiropractic manipulations/adjustments
- Therapeutic massage to reduce inflammation and release tension caused by trigger points.
- Stretching to encourage healing and improve range of motion, and more.
And as noted above, sciatica pain can potentially come and go, so when the pain subsides, you may mistakenly believe your condition is healing, only to realize your mistake when the sciatic pain returns and begins to disrupt your life again.
How Can an Award-Winning Salinas, CA, Chiropractor Help with Sciatica?
Sciatic pain will remain until the nerve is no longer compressed, so it is essential to seek professional help from someone who can accurately isolate the source of your pain and develop an effective, noninvasive sciatica treatment plan. For those in and around Salinas, CA, contact Dr. Dillon or a member of the Dillon Chiropractic Office’s staff at 831-449-1594 or online.