Are you experiencing debilitating lower back pain? If so, then you may find it difficult to even get through the day, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet. While aspirin and rest may help to relieve some of the discomfort, it's important to seek a doctor's opinion if your pain doesn't subside within a few days. You could be suffering from a pinched nerve condition known as sciatica.

What is Sciatica?

Specifically, sciatica is a relatively common condition that occurs when the large sciatic nerve that runs through the lower back becomes compressed. This excessive pressure on the nerve then causes pain signals to be sent to the brain, resulting in sharp and severe lower back pain. 

Causes and Symptoms

In addition to lower back pain, people with sciatica also tend to experience hip pain, numbness/tingling in one or both legs, and unexplained headaches or migraines. 

The causes of sciatica can vary, ranging from physiology to lifestyle habits. For example, if you spend the majority of your work day sitting and don't have an adequate cushion or lower back support, you may be more prone to compression of the vertebrae, which can cause that excessive pressure to be placed on the sciatic nerve. Furthermore, repetitive strain on the back (such as wearing a heavy back pack daily) can result in sciatic nerve pain as well.

Treatment Options

Generally, sciatica can be diagnosed by your physician or chiropractor based on your symptoms and a physical evaluation. In some cases, X-rays may be needed to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms. 

The good news is that if you are diagnosed with sciatica, there are plenty of treatment options. For those who want to avoid prescription drugs and invasive procedures, chiropractic care is a viable option to consider. Specifically, chiropractic treatments such as spinal adjustments and spinal decompression can help to correct poor alignment in the spine and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve by decompressing the vertebrae that are pressing up against it.

Lifestyle changes may also be recommended by your doctor, such as switching to a more supportive chair or reducing strain on your back when possible.

Sciatica can be a painful condition and one that can seriously affect your life, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, you can be back to feeling like yourself again in no time. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss sciatica today.

Contact a medical clinic like Beltline Chiropractic for more information and assistance.