Dr. Gena Chiropractic - Your Favorite Family Chiropractors - Plantation, Florida

If you are frequently experiencing pain in your lower back and down the legs, there is a chance that there is something deeper going on than just a simple backache. This radiating pain through the lower back and down one or both legs is known as Sciatica, and it is a very common condition. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 40% of people in the US complain about this type of pain. 

Sciatica really just means that your pain is happening in the sciatic nerve, which starts in the lower back and goes down through the hips, buttocks and down the legs. Typically, you feel pain due to some kind of inflammation, irritation or compression of the nerve caused by pressure on the nerve root, i.e., having a herniated or slipped disk, subluxations, piriformis syndrome, or spinal stenosis.  

The most common side effect associated with Sciatica is that very recognizable lower back pain that radiates down the entire lower extremity. Usually, Sciatic pain only happens on one side of the body. You may feel it in your glute, hamstring, calf muscle and into the foot. Some people only experience a dull ache, while others experience a more severe, burning sensation. Sudden movements of the body can worsen the pain, such as coughing or sneezing. The pain can also be aggravated if you sit or stand for an extended period of time. Other risk factors include age, due to age-related changes to the spine, and obesity, as excess weight can put pressure on the sciatic nerve. Diabetes is also a risk factor because it increases the risk for nerve damage.

It is much more common for Sciatica to affect the back part of the body, it can affect the front part too, including the pelvis, quadricep, and shins. But Sciatica comes in all shapes and sizes — you could feel pain in the lower back, front and back of the legs, or sometimes you won’t have any lower back pain at all. If you have Sciatica, you may also feel numbness, tingling sensation, or a muscle weakness in the affected leg. 

Most cases of Sciatica are not too serious. This condition can be self-diagnosed and treated with lifestyle changes such as incorporating frequent exercise into your routine, i.e., stretching, yoga, and core strength training. It is also very important to pay attention to your posture while sitting. Chiropractic care is a great approach to help alleviate your sciatic symptoms.

If your Sciatic pain starts to become unbearable or affects your daily life to the point where you have severe pain or weakness in the leg, or have changes in your bowel and bladder movement, you should see your medical doctor immediately and inquire whether surgery is needed.

Chiropractic care is also very beneficial in helping to realign the body and alleviate the symptoms caused by your Sciatic pain. At Dr. Gena Chiropractic, we have many patients who come to us complaining of Sciatic pain, and feel so much relief after we have them on a regular chiropractic care plan, following our stretching and at-home recommendations as well. You don’t have to continue to suffer with Sciatica.

Remember, your health is in your hands; our hands are here to help. To schedule a consultation, call our office at 954-417-5815.