My lower back and buttocks hurt. Is it sciatica?
Sciatica occurs when your sciatic nerve –– the longest nerve in your entire body –– gets pinched, compressed, or inflamed, which can result in lower back and buttock pain. Without treatment, the problem can worsen, affecting your mobility and normal routine.
What does sciatica feel like?
Telltale signs of sciatica include the following:
- Mild tingling
- Dull ache
- Burning sensations
- Sharp pain in the legs or hips
- Numbness in the buttocks
As the condition worsens, you might have difficulty standing up, climbing stairs, or walking.
Do herniated discs always cause sciatica?
Herniated discs are the most common cause of sciatica, but the condition can also occur because of other medical conditions, including:
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine)
- Spondylolisthesis (vertebral compression)
- Osteoarthritis
- Trauma
- Piriformis syndrome
Whatever the underlying cause, if you have symptoms of sciatica that last for more than a few days, contact Woudsma Chiropractic Associates.
How do chiropractors diagnose sciatica?
Your Woudsma Chiropractic Associates provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms. Then, they have you lie down on your back and assess your ability to slowly raise each of your legs.
Your chiropractor uses this assessment to determine which motions trigger your back or leg pain. That helps rule out other issues that present similar symptoms to sciatica.
How does a chiropractor treat sciatica?
The Woudsma Chiropractic Associates team treats sciatica using minimally invasive and conservative measures. They might suggest:
- Massage therapy
- Ice and heat therapy
- Taking over-the-counter pain medicine
- Occupational therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Physical therapy
- Nutrition counseling
- Stretch-exercise therapy
- Medical weight loss
The team works with you to relieve pain and restore your mobility.
When will my sciatica symptoms improve?
Sciatica treatment at Woudsma Chiropractic Associates often provides relief within 4-6 weeks, but it may take longer depending on your age, medical history, and the severity of your symptoms. Follow your chiropractor’s instructions carefully, and attend each of your checkups.
What can you do to prevent sciatica?
There’s no way to prevent sciatica entirely, but you can reduce your risk by living a healthy lifestyle. The Woudsma Chiropractic Associates team recommends exercising regularly, practicing good posture, and quitting smoking. Small adjustments like these can keep your spine healthy.
Call Woudsma Chiropractic Associates to schedule treatment for sciatica, or request your appointment online today.
