There are many reasons you may be experiencing sciatica. Understanding the condition and its underlying causes are key elements in helping your body recover.
So, what is sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. The condition occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated, often resulting in pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg.
Typically, sciatica affects just one side of the body with symptoms ranging from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating pain.
Finding the root cause of your sciatica is crucial for both prevention and effective treatment. While the pain can be debilitating, most cases of sciatica resolve with conservative, natural therapies, including chiropractic care.
In this post, we go over:
- 10 common causes of sciatica
- How to help avoid getting sciatica
- Chiropractic solutions to treat sciatica
- And more
Let’s dive in.
10 Common Reasons People Get Sciatica & How to Avoid It in the Future
Herniated or Bulging Discs
The most common cause of sciatica is a disc herniation. This occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc protrudes through a crack in its tougher exterior casing, placing pressure on nearby nerve roots.
Spinal Stenosis
This condition involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can squeeze the sciatic nerve and cause pain, numbness, and weakness.
Piriformis Syndrome
The piriformis muscle, located deep in the buttock region, can sometimes spasm and irritate the nearby sciatic nerve.
Spondylolisthesis
This occurs when one vertebra slips forward over another, potentially pinching the sciatic nerve.
Degenerative Disc Disease
As we age, the spinal discs naturally wear down, which can lead to nerve compression and symptoms of sciatica.
Pregnancy
The additional weight and hormonal changes during pregnancy can put extra pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Prolonged Sitting
Extended periods of sitting, especially with poor posture, can compress the sciatic nerve and surrounding structures.
Muscle Imbalances
Weak core muscles and tight hip flexors can create imbalances that contribute to sciatic nerve irritation.
Trauma or Injury
Falls, car accidents, or sports injuries can damage the spine or surrounding muscles, leading to sciatica.
Obesity
Excess weight places additional stress on the spine and can contribute to disc problems that lead to sciatica.
Some of these conditions and situations may be unavoidable due to body mechanics, overuse, and life events, but there are some chiropractic tips to help you prevent sciatica and sciatica flare-ups.
Try these 10 tips to help prevent sciatica:
- Maintain good posture: Keep your spine aligned, whether sitting, standing, or walking, and use ergonomic furniture and take frequent breaks from prolonged sitting
- Exercise regularly: Engage in low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga to strengthen your core and back muscles
- Strengthen your core: A strong core provides better support for your spine and reduces the risk of disc problems
- Use proper lifting techniques: Always lift with your legs, not your back, and avoid twisting while lifting heavy objects
- Maintain a healthy weight: Keeping your weight within a healthy range reduces stress on your spine and decreases sciatica risk
- Sleep on a supportive mattress: Choose a mattress that maintains your spine’s natural curve and replace it when it becomes worn
- Stay hydrated: Proper hydration helps maintain disc health and flexibility
- Stretch regularly: Incorporate daily stretching, focusing on your hamstrings, hip flexors, and piriformis muscles
- Wear proper footwear: Choose supportive shoes and avoid high heels for extended periods
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can contribute to muscle tension and pain, so practice relaxation techniques regularly
Chiropractic Methods to Treat Sciatica
Chiropractic care offers proven, highly effective, and noninvasive natural treatments for sciatica, utilizing an evidence-based approach that includes manual manipulation techniques targeting the specific areas causing your pain.
Common chiropractic techniques used for sciatica treatment include:
- Chiropractic adjustments: Spinal adjustments help restore proper alignment, reduce nerve irritation, and improve mobility
- Soft tissue therapies: Used to address muscle tension and inflammation, these techniques help improve blood flow and promote natural healing, and may include dry needling, acupuncture, cupping therapy, and others
- Lifestyle guidance and personal training: With the proper insight and a working fitness plan, your local sciatica chiropractor can help you recover from sciatica and discourage re-injury through education and improved strength and flexibility
Other sciatica treatments may include:
- Decompression therapy
- Orthopedics
- Sports injury treatments
- Cold laser therapy
- Shockwave therapy
- Massage therapy
Many patients find relief through a combination of these natural approaches, often avoiding the need for medications or invasive procedures.
To ensure lasting relief, it’s vital to address not just the symptoms but also the underlying cause and the habits that contribute to the condition.
Partner with Our Durham Sciatica Chiropractor for the Natural Relief You Deserve
Our experienced Durham chiropractic team specializes in identifying the root causes of your sciatic pain and developing comprehensive, organic treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.
We understand that every patient’s sciatica experience is unique, which is why we take the time to thoroughly evaluate your condition and create personalized treatment strategies.
Chiropractic methods and therapies are an excellent way to ensure you get the optimal treatment for sciatica at the source of the problem. Our goal is not just to provide temporary relief but to help you achieve lasting recovery and prevent future episodes.
Contact our Durham chiropractic clinic or book your sciatica appointment online; it’s time to return to the activities you love with confidence and energy.