Sciatica FAQs

People with sciatica do not always understand the cause of this painful back condition. In like manner, many are unaware that chiropractic care can help them manage their painful symptoms.

If you fall into this category, these FAQs from Unity Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Beaverton, OR can help you learn more about sciatica.

Sciatica is a back condition characterized by pain that starts in your lower back and travels all the way down one leg. Pain occurs when body structures pinch the sciatic nerve which extends from your back all the way down your buttocks, calf, leg and foot.

As you age, spinal discs and bones can begin to deteriorate and shift, causing them to pinch sciatic nerve roots. Compression of your sciatic nerve can result in pain. Acute injuries that result in spinal misalignments putting pressure on your sciatic nerve can cause sciatica pain. Obesity, pregnancy and poor posture may also cause sciatica by putting undue pressure on your spine over an extended period.

Lower back pain is a common symptom of sciatica often accompanied by pain shooting down the back of your leg. Sciatica can also cause pain in your buttock and hip along with numbness in your leg or foot. You may lose strength in your legs or control over your movements.

Sciatica pain may come and go or be constant. Some people have bouts of pain that last a few weeks and then disappear only to return later down the line. By treating the cause of your pain, your Beaverton OR chiropractor can help you experience long term pain relief.

Depending on the cause of your pain, your Beaverton OR chiropractor may start by adjusting imbalances in your spine to reduce pressure off the sciatic nerve. This will relieve pain and restore blood circulation to the area so you can heal. We may combine adjustments with hot/cold treatments to reduce inflammation of nerve tissues, rehab exercises to strengthen spinal support and massage to relieve muscle tension and help restore your mobility. 

Maintaining good posture and managing your weight can help prevent sciatica. Routine spinal screenings and adjustments from your Beaverton OR chiropractor can also help prevent sciatica pain by correcting minor misalignments that may occur and keeping your spine in balance.

Do not just live with the symptoms of lower back pain and discomfort caused by sciatica. Contact Unity Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Beaverton OR at (503) 747-3388 to learn more about sciatica pain relief.