Sciatica – The Struggle is Real!

Sciatca – What is it really?

A great many patients in Tigard struggle with sciatica pain. Here you will get to know the truths regarding sciatica so that you may better assess when proper treatment is necessary. This large, long nerve in the human body emerges from the spine out of the low back region. Running through the glute muscles, it is the longest nerve as it travels down to your lower leg. Its primary function is to maintain the muscles within that area.

The sciatic nerve provides sensation to the entire lower half of your body. This includes your thighs, legs and even areas of the feet. Sciatica is when the inflammation occurs within this nerve causing pain to resonate from it. This pain is most common amongst individuals over the age of 30 who have suffered nerve and disc damage, and/or those who work very physically laborious jobs (such as construction workers or farmers) are more likely to experience sciatica pain.   

Sciatic Symptoms

When pain shoots constantly down the nerve within the lower region of the body, and is noticeably persistent on only a single side of the body, this is a clear indication of Sciatica pain. This pain can be experienced in many ways. Patients may complain of a tingling sensation down the legs, and even an aching or burning. Sciatica is commonly expressed within a very specific area of the body. Nausea accompanied by the feeling of pins and needles in the lower extremities, or weakness, is a common sign of onset sciatic symptoms. 

Sciatica generally comes on slowly and progresses over time. It does not often start with severe pain. The discomfort is typically exacerbated by sitting for extensive periods of time, or the repeated bending to lift an object. Even a constant bought of sneezing or coughing and sudden movements can irritate this major nerve. 

Diagnosing Sciatica

Sciatica diagnosis starts with your local chiropractor or resident physician. They will be able to look at your medical history as well as your descriptions of the pain to decide whether your pain is consistent with sciatica symptoms. A complete neurological examination is also a necessary action to place specificity on your low extremity. Your strength, reflexes and any accompanying pain resulting from specific movements will all be a necessary consideration. 

Treatment Options

More commonly, a conservative approach, such as chiropractic treatment, is highly effective. Sciatica can be caused by a variety of underlying issues. Treatments will vary based on the cause. Our treatments are not invasive, and excludes surgical procedures and medications. Our approach is focused on minimizing pain by addressing inflammation, spinal issues, and significantly improving range of motion.