Sciatica Risk Factors and Treatment Options
Are you experiencing pain along one side of your body from your lower back down through your hip and the back of your leg? If so, you could be suffering from a condition called sciatica.
According to the Mayo Clinic, sciatica "commonly occurrs when a herniated disk or a bone spur on the spine compresses part of the nerve. This causes inflammation, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg."
Risk Factors for Sciatica
There are many assocaited risk factors that increase the individual's likelihood of ending up with sciatica. Most of these are related to an increased pressure on the spine and subsequently the sciatic nerve.
Obesity
carrying too much weight is instrumental in bringing on a number of health related issues. Extra pounds overload the spine, causing damage that results in sciatica.
Improper lifting
Individuals who frequently twist the bodies and lift heavy loads are more likely to suffer from sciatica. Certain jobs that require these movements are a key cause of the condition.
Sedentary lifestyle.
A person's job does not have to involve lifting to be responsible for this condition. Sitting for extended periods without stretching or standing puts excess pressure on the spine and can cause sciatica.
Too many birthdays.
Getting older can affect all of our body's joints and bones in a negative manner, especially if we never committed to an exercise routing. An individual's back often deteriorates with age, causing bone spurs and herniated disks that sometimes result in sciatica.
Treatment Options for Sciatica
There are many treatment options for sciatica. The choice as to which sciatica treatment is preferred depends on the individual and more importantly the severity of the condition.
Pain medication
A common and easy way to help ease the pain of sciatica is with drug therapy. Anti-inflammatory and pain killer medicines are frequently used to reduce the inflammation around the nerve, which is a big contributor of the pain. Stronger pain killers may be prescribed by a doctor also help with pain management in severe cases of sciatica.
Dry Needling
Alternative therapies like dry needling have shown positive results in the treatment of sciatica when combined with manual therapy.
Strengthening exercises
A consistent corrective exercise program strengthens your muscles and helps the body function effectively. Ask your doctor which exercises assist the body with bouncing back from sciatica.
Supplements
Supplying the body with vital vitamins and minerals assists in overall health in general, including improvement from sciatica. Daily doses of supplements such as magnesium, and Vitamin B12 may help with sciatic nerve recovery and may help alleviate sciatica.
Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatica
Chiropractors understand all things spine-related, and work with the body as a whole to help it heal itself. Chiropractic treatment for sciatica works to align the spine and reduce the stress on the lower back. Treatment helps alleviate the underlying causes of the condition, and shows positive results in a short amount of time.
Cortisone injections
Most of the time, sciatica can be treated by the less invasive measures mentioned above. However, severe cases of sciatic nerve pain may require a cortisone injection directly into the inflamed area. Cortisone acts as a strong anti-inflammatory and a strong painkiller. Individuals generally choose this option when other treatments have garnered very little or no relief.
Relief for Sciatica & Sciatic Nerve Pain!
Dealing with sciatica is painful and irritating, as the condition often sidelines the sufferer from daily activities. By knowing the treatment options that are effective in combating both the underlying causes and the pain of sciatica, sufferers can begin a treatment course that will help them get back on their feet, pain-free in the shortest period of time possible.
If you are suffering from sciatica and would like to talk to an experienced chiropractor about how to treat the condition, contact us today.