What Is Sciatica?
Your back hurts.
The pain is often unbearable and pain shoots down legs. What is this and can you get some pain relief?
Some facts and tips about sciatica:
*Shooting pain: Sciatica is described as low back pain combined with pain which radiates through the buttock and down one leg. Weakness in leg muscles and limping can also be signs of sciatica.
*What it feels like: Shooting pain is often the term used to identify sciatica. The level of the pain can range from a mere annoyance to downright unbearable.
*What causes sciatica?: The most common cause of sciatica is a spinal disc herniation pressing on one of the sacral or lumbar nerve roots. This condition causes an irritation of the sciatic nerve, causing pain.
*Steps to help prevent sciatica: You can help prevent sciatica by using proper lifting techniques. Keep your back straight and bend your knees while picking up items from the floor. Studies have shown that walking and yoga can reduce back pain. Exercising regularly, especially using your core muscles, is also effective.
*What can help sciatica pain?: Chiropractic care has proven effective in the treatment of sciatica. Most patients will begin with a regular schedule of 3 spinal manipulations per week and then taper off as they begin to feel better. The benefits of this chiropractic care lasted up to a year.