Sciatica Care at Back & Body Wellness Centre
Sciatica is a common condition involving the irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in your body. This nerve runs from your lower back through your hips, buttocks, legs, and feet.
Symptoms of sciatica can vary widely but commonly include pain, which can range from a mild ache to sharp, severe pain. Other symptoms include numbness and tingling in the leg or foot and muscle weakness in the leg, foot, thigh, or buttocks.
What Are the Causes?
Sciatica often occurs when there is pressure on the lumbar spine nerve roots due to various conditions. Herniated discs, where discs bulge out and press on the nerve, are a common cause. Bone spurs, or overgrowth of bone that compresses the nerve, can also lead to sciatica. Additionally, spinal stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the nerve, is another frequent cause of this condition.
Other risk factors include age (it’s common between 30 and 50 years old), weight (extra pounds increase spinal pressure, particularly in overweight individuals and pregnant women), occupational hazards (jobs involving heavy lifting or prolonged sitting), and diabetes (which can cause nerve damage, increasing the risk of sciatica).
The Role of Chiropractic Care
In addition to chiropractic adjustments, which can effectively address sciatica, we also recommend the following:
- Ice and Heat Therapy: To reduce inflammation and pain
- Stretching and Exercises: Tailored to improve mobility and strength
- Decompression Therapy: A traction therapy that relieves sciatic nerve pressure
- Webster Technique: A chiropractic method for pregnant women to relieve sciatica and pelvic pain
Tips for Preventing Sciatica
Prevention is key to managing sciatica. Consider the following tips:
- Maintain good posture to reduce strain on your spine.
- Stay active with regular exercise to keep your spine healthy.
- Manage your weight to decrease spinal pressure.
- Use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury.
- Strengthen your core muscles to support your lower back.
Book an Appointment
If you are experiencing symptoms of sciatica or want to learn more about preventing this condition, contact Back & Body Wellness Centre today. Our experienced chiropractors are here to help you find relief and improve your quality of life.
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