If you’re suffering from pain that extends from your back or buttocks down to your legs, you might be dealing with a common condition known as sciatica. Many individuals seek a chiropractor in Texarkana to alleviate the pain caused by sciatica, but unfortunately, not everyone finds a long-term solution. Untreated sciatica can worsen over time, making everyday tasks increasingly difficult or even impossible. This article aims to help you understand sciatica and how chiropractic treatment can help you overcome it.
request an appointmentTREATING SCIATICA IN TEXARKANA
Sciatica, also referred to as sciatic neuralgia, is a condition characterized by pain in the lower back, radiating down the leg and into the foot. It can make prolonged sitting and standing challenging and lead to weakness, tingling, and numbness in the leg and foot. The pain may come and go throughout a person’s lifetime, with varying degrees of intensity and discomfort. If left unaddressed, sciatic pain tends to worsen, and the nerve can sustain permanent damage.
The reason why the pain travels extensively and seems to affect the legs and back is due to the compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body. Originating in the lumbar spine, it extends through the buttocks, down the leg, and reaches the ankle and foot. When the vertebrae in the lower back are compressed, the roots of the sciatic nerve can become pinched and irritated, resulting in pain and injury.
WHAT CAUSES SCIATICA?
Several factors can contribute to the development of sciatica. The most common cause is disc injuries and bulges. In such cases, the disc puts pressure on the nerve root, causing the problem. Disc injuries can occur due to poor posture, repetitive use injuries, and accidents. Sciatica is also prevalent when there are subluxations (misalignments) in the spine caused by postural issues, pregnancy, or trauma. Some patients describe sudden intense pain after simply bending over to pick up an object. In reality, the spinal condition was likely developing for a considerable period before the triggering incident.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR SCIATICA
Chiropractors in Texarkana possess extensive training to identify the source of sciatica and work with patients to determine the most appropriate treatment approach. After a thorough assessment of the individual’s specific condition, gentle adjustments are made to help the body restore its natural alignment.
Response time to chiropractic care varies, with some individuals experiencing rapid improvement while others require more time to recover. It depends on the condition of the discs or joints that need correction. In most cases, the longer the issue persists, the longer it takes to achieve correction. The encouraging news is that resolving this problem typically requires less time than it took for it to develop. Once the spine and discs are properly aligned, patients often report overall health improvements. If you’re experiencing symptoms of sciatica, contact our team at Ark-La-Tex Health Center today.