Sciatica Pain in Boxtel GN

A number of patients who visit our Boxtel chiropractic clinic struggle with sciatica. Learn the facts about sciatica and it can help you understand your pain. The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the human body, emerging from the spine in the lower back. It also runs through the buttock area and all the way to the lower leg, where it controls the muscles in that area.

The sciatic nerve functions as a sensation for the entire lower part of the body, including your thighs and legs and up to the soles of the feet. If this nerve becomes irritated or inflamed for any reason, the pain is caused by sciatica. Sciatica refers to the numerous symptoms directly related to the irritation of the sciatic nerve, but does not identify the source.

SCIATICA SYMPTOMS IN Boxtel

The most common symptom of sciatic nerve irritation is when the pain flows consistently along the nerve path, especially when the pain persists on only one side of the body. There are significant ways in which this pain can be experienced. Patients may experience a tingling sensation or pain or burning. The type of pain is often associated with the exact location of the irritation. A patient with sciatica may feel like being poked with pins and needles in the lower extremities, accompanied by weakness in the leg or foot of the affected nerve.

In general, sciatica develops slowly and gradually, rarely starting with intense pain. The pain is usually aggravated by long sitting sessions, bending, sneezing or coughing, as well as sudden movements.

DIAGNOSIS OF SCIATICA

The diagnosis of sciatica starts with your doctor. Your doctor will be able to consider your medical history and evaluate your descriptions of the pain. It is also imperative that you undergo a complete neurological exam that focuses on your legs and spine. This includes assessing your sensory strength as you perform certain activities so that the doctor can assess your reflexes, muscle strength, and any pain that may be caused by certain movements.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

In most cases, a conservative approach, such as chiropractic care, can be very effective. Since sciatica can be caused by a number of problems, treatments will vary depending on the cause. This will depend heavily on your chiropractor. The term "conservative" in this context refers to treatments that are non-invasive, excluding surgical procedures and medication. A chiropractic approach would aim to eliminate or minimize the pain by addressing any problems with the spine, restoring normal movement and function, and then reducing irritation and inflammation.

If you have any questions about sciatica, call our team at Boxtel Chiropractic today for assistance.