What to do if You Experience Sciatic Pain

Well, Spring will be here in no time!  It’s been a long winter and people are anxious to get outside, enjoy the sunshine, and get active.  The problem is that lots of people overdo it!  Instead of easing into it and being gentle with their bodies, they go full tilt.

Without using proper stretching techniques and building up their exercise regime, they run the risk of a pinched sciatic nerve and are sidelined with pain and numbness from their back running down one leg or the other.  But how does this happen?

[Alt Image Tag:  “Man experiencing sciatic pain in the back and leg about to visit Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness, in Mill Creek, WA.”]

What Causes You to Experience Sciatic Pain?

Sciatica or sciatic pain can be caused by a herniated disk or arthritic bone spur in your lower back that pinches the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body running from your spinal column down each leg.  But it can also be caused by overuse and, frankly, physical deterioration.  It’s a common problem and one that an estimated 40% will experience in their lifetimes.

It often feels like burning or tingling sensations in the buttock and affected leg with accompanying lower back and hip pain.  If you are at the point where you are experiencing bladder weakness or severe numbness or pain, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible.

What’s the First Step Once You Experience Sciatic Pain?

It’s recommended that you explore the benefits of chiropractic care in Mill Creek to help alleviate the problem and also position you to not suffer a recurrence.  There are several things that you can try at home before your appointment to help reduce the pain and numbness:

• Stretching is extremely important to help alleviate the pinched nerve pain.
• Hot and cold applied intermittently. Ice helps to reduce inflammation, while heat can encourage blood flow to the back and leg. This can also help reduce the spasms that often accompany sciatica.
• Vary your posture every 20 minutes.
• Walk and move around as much as you can. This also will help with the pain and spasms.
• Avoid foods that cause inflammation:
  • Sugar
  • Artificial Trans Fats
  • Refined Carbohydrates
  • Processed Meats
  • Alcohol

When you visit your chiropractor, he or she will evaluate your symptoms and then recommend a course of treatment.  This will usually be a holistic and natural approach that often includes chiropractic manipulation and mobilization, supported by massage therapy, lifestyle evaluation and recommendations on stretching and exercise, as well as natural nutrition counseling.  The goal is to provide a comprehensive overall plan that resolves the pain and points the patient in a healthy direction.

Sciatica is painful, but there ARE solutions!  In Mill Creek, Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness is your comprehensive solution center.  We are ready and available, so please contact us at our Mill Creek Location for an appointment when you experience sciatic pain.  We would love to discuss the natural and healthy benefits of chiropractic manipulation.