Do I Have Sciatica? Get Answers From Our Sciatica Doctor In New Albany

Sciatica is a syndrome caused by compression of the sciatic nerve root. You have two sciatic nerves: one on the right side of your body and one on the left side. They leave the spinal cord in the lumbar spine and branch off to provide motor and sensory information to your legs. If something—such as a herniated disc, bulging disc, narrowed joint space, bony cyst, or tumor—compresses or "pinches" the sciatic nerve, then inflammation and irritation can develop, which may lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. 

Certain people are more at risk for sciatica, including:

• People with diabetes

• People who do a lot of frequent twisting, bending, and lifting with the spine, or repetitive movement

• People who smoke

• People who are overweight or obese

• People who are around age 40 and up (since age-related degenerative changes in the spine are generally the most common cause of sciatica)

Do You Suffer From Pain in The Buttocks That Goes Down The Leg?

Buttocks, groin, and leg pain is the hallmark symptom of sciatica. This pain is often described as searing, shooting, stabbing, or burning. It may get worse after prolonged sitting or standing.

Are You Experiencing Pain on One Side of The Body? 

Usually, sciatica affects only one side of the body.

Do You Have Numbness and/or Tingling/Prickling Sensations in One Leg? 

If your sciatic nerve is compressed and inflamed, it won't be able to transmit neurological signals as effectively. This is why most people with sciatica often report feeling "pins and needles" in their leg.

Do You Have Low Back Pain?

People with sciatica usually complain of symptoms that are worse in the leg, but low back pain can also be present. This is often a result of reflexive muscle guarding or spasms over the area of the sciatic nerve root compression. 

Does Pain Radiate Into Your Feet and Toes?

The sciatic nerve branches off into other nerves that provide sensory information to the entire leg. In some cases, constant or intermittent numbness, tingling, and pain can develop all the way down into the toes.

Do You Have Leg Muscle Weakness? 

You might notice that your leg frequently buckles or feels as if it's going to give out. Perhaps you have trouble lifting your toes and often trip. These are all potential signs of leg muscle weakness caused by sciatica.

Are You Have Issues with Bowel and Bladder Control?

If you become incontinent or are having a hard time emptying your bladder, this could be a sign of a rare but serious medical emergency called cauda equina syndrome. This syndrome occurs when a large bundle of nerves at the very end of the spinal cord become compressed. This structure is anatomically close to the sciatic nerve roots.

If you have acute or gradual incontinence, worsening neurological symptoms in your legs, severe back pain, and numbness in the groin area, call 911 immediately. If left untreated, cauda equina syndrome can lead to paralysis and chronic genitourinary complications. 

What Should You do if You Think You Have Sciatica? 

If you answered yes to one or more of the above questions, consult with our New Albany sciatica doctor. Proper diagnosis is essential so appropriate sciatica treatment in New Albany IN can be initiated and other conditions can be ruled out. Even if you answered yes to all of the questions, this does not confirm a sciatica diagnosis. See a professional for help.  

How Can Sciatica Be Treated with Chiropractic Care? 

If you have sciatica, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications may only mask your symptoms (at best), but will do nothing to address their root cause. This means your symptoms may keep returning and potentially grow worse over time as nerve inflammation worsens. 

Here are a few things you can expect from our New Albany chiropractor for sciatica treatment:

• Manual spinal decompression alleviates pressure on the sciatic nerve (and, if a spinal disc is involved, facilitates healing and retraction of the disc back into normal alignment)

• Chiropractic adjustments stimulate the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals in your body (no drugs required)

Our services are non-invasive and help your body heal naturally for safe and thorough results. We also offer other complementary services, including massage, physical therapy, and advanced strengthening programs to further accelerate healing and prevent recurring symptoms.

We can also teach you better body mechanics at work, during sport, and throughout your day-to-day, so you can avoid re-aggravating the condition. 

Ready to Experience Natural Sciatic Nerve Pain Relief?

Contact 1st Choice Health & Wellness Chiropractic today to schedule an appointment and find out how you can benefit from natural sciatic nerve pain relief: (812) 945-4500