Everyone's heard of back pain. It's one of the most common ailments affecting millions yearly. Sometimes, it stems from problems besides simple muscle strain. One example is sciatica, a condition that traces its roots to compressed nerve tissue along the lumbar spine. It causes unilateral pain in the lower back, buttocks, and legs.
Low back sciatica pain can be mild or severe, but it usually starts on one side of your body before radiating down to other areas. If this sounds like the pain you're feeling, we encourage you to read on to learn what it would take to experience lasting back pain relief in Asheville.
Sciatica causes pain in the lower back when the sciatic nerve gets compressed by a herniated disc, bone spur, or other bulging structure. The sciatic nerve runs through a narrow space between the sacrum and lumbar spine as it exits the pelvis and travels down the leg. If this space becomes narrowed because of inflammation or pressure on the nerve root, it can cause pain and other symptoms in the leg.
According to studies, sciatica can result from a variety of spinal problems, including:
To help you ascertain whether or not you have sciatica, we have listed the usual symptoms our patients with low back pain share with us:
A prevalent symptom of sciatica is numbness and tingling in one or both legs. If you experience this symptom, it is essential to see your doctor immediately. This will help you get a proper diagnosis so you can pinpoint the root cause of your pain and your options for pain relief.
If your legs become weak or paralyzed, it could mean that there's something seriously wrong with your body's spinal cord or nerves. People who experience weakness or paralysis often need surgery to repair damaged nerve tissues and regain full use of the upper and lower extremities again.
If you experience these symptoms, no matter how subtle, please seek medical attention immediately! They could indicate serious complications that warrant emergency care.
If you have neck pain along with lower back pain, it could mean that there is an underlying issue. If this is the case, please see a doctor immediately! Neck problems can cause severe issues if left poorly managed.
This can be felt while sitting down or standing up. It's yet another common symptom of sciatica, especially when you have been sitting for long hours at work or driving your car for long distances without getting any rest breaks during this time period!
You might also experience difficulty walking due to muscle spasms caused by constant pressure on nerves. The postural imbalance due to compromised spinal structure can also affect the alignment of the hips and legs, making it even more challenging to maintain a proper gait pattern.
It can be frustrating to deal with sciatica symptoms, but there are plenty of ways to get relief from them. Some of the most effective forms of back pain relief in Asheville that you can choose from and try to manage your sciatica include the following:
Studies dub this is one of the most effective remedies for sciatica. It helps by getting rid of stiffness in your muscles and improving your overall strength. It also enhances the range of movements you can do with the help of slow and guided physical exercises.
Medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids can relieve pain symptoms. Just be sure to take them according to your doctor's instructions to avoid excessive dosage and ensure you increase your chances of seeing desirable results.
Practicing relaxation techniques such as hot and cold therapy, home remedies, and exercise can help you manage your discomfort. It would help if you did these in moderation to prevent further injury or worsening sciatica symptoms.
Chiropractic adjustments are another alternative treatment option to consider if conventional treatments have not worked well enough for you so far. Chiropractic adjustments are effective against lower back pain. It's also a great way to prevent future problems with your neck, spine, and hips. It focuses on the top vertebrae of the spine— the atlas —and its relationship with the rest of your spine and body.
When this part of your spine doesn't work correctly, it can cause misalignment and pressure on other areas of your body. This can result in tightness or weakness in other joints and muscles, which can lead to pain or even injury.
This back pain relief method helps align the atlas so that it works in harmony with your other vertebrae and joints. This reduces pressure on sensitive nerves and improves blood flow throughout your body, improving overall health!
If you're suffering from chronic back pain, trying every remedy under the sun can be tempting. Sadly, most remedies only provide short-term relief because they don’t target the root cause of the issue. So, instead of opting for quick fixes, we suggest taking a step back and analyzing what you can do to help your body heal and recover faster and increase your chances of enjoying long-term back pain relief in Asheville.
One example of a technique you should explore is upper cervical chiropractic care. It’s a highly recommended option to address postural problems compromising the spine and the tissues attached to it, such as the sciatic nerve and muscle fiber bundles.
To get quality chiropractic care for your back pain, visit Atlas Chiropractic of Asheville. Dr. David Nygaard will help you restore your health as he has done for many others for over 20 years now and counting. You can set your appointment with him every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8 am to 5:45 pm via phone at (828) 253-0700 or our online appointment request form.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Nygaard, call our Asheville office at 828-253-0700. You can also click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.