Sciatica Treatment in Bloomington
If you know someone who’s had shooting pains in a leg, suddenly lost control, or complaints of lower back pain down the leg, there’s a good chance it involves sciatica. The sciatic nerve helps control motion and leg muscles, and is connected to the spinal column. However, a pinch, pressure, or similar can cause the nerve to malfunction due to its position. While the problem may be in the back, the symptoms tend to be in the leg. In most cases, sciatica can resolve itself with essential rest, icing, and healing, but some need more help.
Serious Sciatica Cases
Most cases tend to be related to a slipped or herniated disc in the spinal column. Discs provide the cushion between the vertebrae bones that make up the spine. When the discs burst or slip, that can create pressure against the sciatic nerve.
Other everyday situations include arthritis, spinal tumors, bone spurs, diabetic nerve damage, and pregnancy pressure. Sciatica also develops due to age (wear and tear), occupational strain, exercise or sports injuries, and lifestyle behavior. Other indirect causes, and often contribute, include obesity, sedentary living without regular exercise, and heavy lifting.
Sciatica Symptoms and Treatment
Again, general and mild cases of sciatica tend to last a few weeks at best and become resolved with rest, icing to reduce swelling in the lower back, and reducing the activity that may have caused the injury. However, in more severe cases that don’t go away quickly, pain relief can be necessary, as well as additional medical treatment. When you begin to have symptoms affecting the ability to walk, bladder and bowel activity, and loss of feeling in the legs, you should consult a doctor.
Most immediate treatments focus on pain relief to help the body rest and recover independently. Over-the-counter medications are usually used for this approach and lower back pain. Walking, mild exercise, and stretching also help, with icing and hot compresses alternating on the lower back. Acupuncture has also been shown to help.
Local Chiropractor Help for Sciatica in Bloomington, IN
The Hoosier Family Chiropractic, Inc. in Bloomington regularly helps patients with sciatica in all cases and backgrounds. The condition can be treated and tailored to a patient’s needs. Call us at (812) 336-7552 to schedule an appointment and start your comprehensive care. Our Bloomington, IN, chiropractor team can help you get beyond managing pain and return to daily life.