Who Can Benefit from Sciatica Treatment? A Complete Guide

Sciatica is a common condition that often resolves itself after 4-6 weeks. However, it can cause great discomfort and become a recurring issue that impacts your daily life. If you’re experiencing lower back pain, could it be sciatica?

Let’s take a look at what this condition is, what triggers it, and who could benefit the most from sciatica treatment.

What is sciatica?

Your sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve (or bundle of nerves) in your body, stemming from the base of your spinal cord. You have two sciatic nerves on either side of your body, which run through your buttocks, hips, and down the side of your legs.

When the sciatic nerve becomes inflamed or irritated due to pressure on the root of the nerve, we call it ‘sciatica’.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Sciatica symptoms vary from person to person, however, some of the most common symptoms include:

●      Lower back pain

●      Back muscle spasms

●      Weakness in the affected leg or foot

●      Pins and needles or numbness in the leg or foot

●      Burning or shooting sensations in the leg or foot

●      A hot or cold feeling in the leg or foot

Recognising these symptoms early can help make sure you get the best treatment to reduce discomfort and help you get back to your daily activities.

What triggers sciatica?

Sciatica is essentially triggered by irritation of or pressure on the sciatic nerve, but what can lead to this? Here are some of the most common causes:

●      Slipped disks

●      Sports injuries

●      Tumours or cysts

●      Spinal stenosis

●      Pelvic injuries

●      Pregnancy

Who is most at risk of sciatica?

Certain people are more at risk of developing sciatica than others, usually because they are more likely to experience one of the above causes. These include:

Pregnant Women

During pregnancy, the body releases the hormone relaxin, which loosens nerves and ligaments to prepare for birth. This can cause the sciatic nerve to become trapped more easily. The development of the foetus then expands the belly, curving the spine to accommodate the additional weight.

During the second and third trimesters, the baby grows even more and can compress the sciatic nerve, leading to excess pinching and irritation. If you’re pregnant or planning to be, it’s worth taking extra care of your back and considering pregnancy massage treatments.

Over 40s

Gravity impacts the body, and this becomes more predominant in those above 40. The muscles surrounding the spinal joints experience wear and tear, causing them to weaken and increasing the likelihood of an inflamed nerve. People also become less active as they age, which further contributes to weaker muscles and less support around the spine.

Tall People

Did you know that people over 6ft 1” are more likely to experience sciatic pain? This is because there is more pressure on the base of the spine, compressing the sciatic nerve. Tall people also have an increased risk of spine abnormalities, which can trigger sciatica.

People Who Play Contact Sports

Contact sports, such as rugby, martial arts, and ice hockey, involve consistent collisions. The repetitive and harsh impact often causes spine misalignment or slipped discs, which pinch the sciatic nerve.

Our sports injury treatments are here to support you if you experience any issues.

Obesity or Being Overweight

Excess weight places strain on the body, especially the joints. The stress on the spine and lower back irritates nerves and can trigger recurring sciatica.

Office Workers and Manual Handlers

Humans aren’t made for sitting at a desk for eight hours a day, and this action can compress the spine, putting pressure on the lower back. Over time, this causes inflammation and can irritate the sciatic nerve.

On the other hand, a job that involves lots of movement, such as bending down or lifting heavy objects, increases the likelihood of a back injury, like a slipped disk or strained muscle. This heightens the chances of nerve pinching and the development of sciatica.

What is the best way to relieve sciatica pain?

You don’t have to suffer and can engage in sciatica pain treatment to relieve the inflamed nerve. Below are the best ways to help sciatica:

●      Reducing inflammation: Targeting inflammation reduces irritation in the affected area. A chiropractor can treat the swelling by implementing practices that relax the muscles, release tension, and decompress the spine. This relieves pressure on the sciatic nerve to alleviate pain.

●      Spine adjustments: A common cause of sciatica is spine misalignment, which can compress the nerve. Visiting a chiropractor helps safely adjust spinal joints to ensure there is no unnecessary strain on the base of the spine.

●      Mobility and flexibility exercises: Sciatica chiropractic treatments can provide personalised plans, including simple exercises and stretches to decrease inflammation and improve back mobility. Engaging repeatedly in the exercises can reduce future sciatic flare-ups.

Can sciatic nerve pain be cured?

Absolutely, chiro treatment can cure sciatic nerve pain. You can also prevent inflammation or pinching of the sciatic nerve with regular back pain treatment. This is particularly beneficial to those most at risk of developing sciatica or who experience chronic sciatica.

How to Prevent Sciatica

There are multiple practices you can implement to minimise the risk of developing sciatica. Here are our top tips for preventing flare-ups:

●      Mobility exercises: Specific exercises that target the lower back can release pressure and keep the spine in alignment. What is the number one exercise for sciatica? We recommend knee-to-the-chest stretches, child’s pose, bridge pose, leg lifts, and pelvic tilts. Remember to perform these exercises consistently to relieve sciatic pain. Continuing them after your treatment can also help reduce recurring sciatica.

●      Maintaining a healthy weight: Ensure you maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on your lower back. Eat a balanced diet enriched with fibre and protein, and engage in activities that get your heart rate up, including cardio and weightlifting.

●      Regular back treatment: Consistent appointments with a chiropractor can stop sciatica from developing and ensure you have healthy back alignment. You can also get neck pain treatment, shoulder pain treatment, and treatment for general aches and pains for a relaxed, pain-free body.

Relieve Sciatica Pain at The Hillsborough Chiropractic Clinic

We have a variety of treatments at The Hillsborough Chiropractic Clinic to relieve symptoms of sciatica and reduce the likelihood of it returning. Visit our website to meet our helpful team, and please don’t hesitate to get in contact to book an appointment.