You shouldn’t have to live with pain and discomfort that makes everyday interactions uncomfortable or that keeps you up at night. Sciatica is a type of pain that many people experience in their lifetime and can happen in people of all ages. Sciatica refers to a specific type of pain that occurs in your lower back, hips, buttocks, legs, and feet. Sciatica can occur after an injury to your lower back or for a variety of issues and stress on the spine. If you think you are struggling with sciatica, then don’t hesitate to reach out to your Conyers chiropractor for treatment that will bring you relief from your pain.
Diagnosing Sciatica
The sciatic nerve is located near the base of your spine in your lower back. It can become irritated or something nearby can put pressure on the nerve, both of which might result in pain and discomfort known as sciatica. You might first mention this pain to your primary care physician or another doctor during a routine visit or for follow-up care after a car accident. No matter which doctors you talk to about the type of pain you are experiencing, they will be able to diagnose whether or not what you are experiencing is sciatica.
Sciatica is a distinct type of pain because it often affects only one side of your lower body. When your sciatic nerve is compressed or aggravated, it can send pain through your lower back and down into your hip, buttocks, and one of your legs. Some experience sciatica as a sharp, stabbing pain that radiates downward, while others experience it as a dull, tingling numbness. When you talk to your doctor about your sciatica pain, it helps to note what certain activities may make the pain worse, or what home remedies you may have tried and whether or not they were successful in temporarily reducing your pain. Depending on which doctor diagnoses your sciatica, you may want to seek treatment for this type of pain from a doctor who specializes in spine and nerve issues.
Treatment Options for Sciatica
Sciatica can be caused by a variety of factors and you want to see a doctor who will help manage your pain symptoms but also address the root cause of your sciatica. Whether you were in an accident or developed sciatica due to regular wear and tear on the body, there are a few common reasons for developing sciatica. In order to provide you with the best treatment possible, a spine specialist like a chiropractor, orthopedic doctor, or neurologist can all help to identify what is causing your sciatica so you can experience lasting pain relief.
It is possible for sciatica pain to go away on its own in a few hours or days, but if you notice it lasting for weeks or even months then you need to see a doctor. You shouldn’t have to live with that kind of pain and your doctor can find the root cause and address it before your pain gets worse or it causes other issues. Car accident doctors are familiar with sciatica because of how car accident injuries can lead to this type of pain. Depending on your specific injury to your spine, your doctor will want to address any inflammation in the area that might be aggravating your sciatic nerve. Chiropractors and orthopedic doctors are knowledgeable in diagnosing and treating conditions like a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease, all of which could be causing your sciatica.
Chiropractic Care for Sciatica
If you are looking for a non-invasive, natural approach to your treatment then you may want to try visiting your Conyers chiropractor for sciatica. Chiropractors do not prescribe medications and instead help encourage the body to heal itself. They identify misalignments in your spine that may be causing your sciatica, like a slipped disc, and then use gentle adjustment techniques to restore your spine to its proper posture. When your spine is in healthy alignment it will not put unnecessary pressure on nearby areas like your sciatic nerve. Your chiropractor may also recommend relieving pain through exercises and gentle stretches.
At AICA Orthopedics, our Conyers chiropractors and teams of orthopedists, neurologists, physical therapists, and more work together to provide you with quality, comprehensive care so you can experience lasting pain relief. Visit our Conyers location to find out more about how our multi-specialty team can help you!