Sciatica: Its Symptoms and How to Beat Them

sciatica, back pain relief in Asheville

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.

 

What Causes Sciatica?

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:

  • Pinched nerves due to spinal stenosis (narrowing of spaces around the spinal cord),
  • Degenerative disc disease (DDD) 
  • Tumors pressing on nerves 
  • Slipped disc or prolapsed disc 
sciatica, back pain relief in Asheville

 

Common Symptoms of Low Back Pain Sciatica

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: 

#1. Numbness and tingling

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. 

#2. Weakness or paralysis

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. 

#3. Neck pain

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. 

#4. Buttocks pain

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!

#5. Gait problems

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.

sciatica, back pain relief in Asheville

Effective Forms of Back Pain Relief in Asheville

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:

Physical therapy

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. 

Oral medication

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. 

Relaxation and exercise

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.

Upper cervical chiropractic care

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!

 

Work with a Trusted Chiropractic Doctor for Lasting Back Pain Relief in Asheville

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.

Request an Appointment Now!

Are you suffering? Is your body telling you something is wrong and isn’t working correctly? Explore a different approach to maintaining health.
Click here
This doesn't have to be the way
you feel for the rest of your life. Find long-lasting pain relief and restore brain-body balance at the only atlas orthogonal clinic in Asheville.

Address

190 Broadway #205,
Asheville, NC 28801

Phone

828-253-0700

Office Hours

Monday – 8:00 am – 5:45 pm
Wednesday – 8:00 am – 5:45 pm
Thursday –8:00 am – 5:45 pm
crossmenuchevron-down
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram Skip to content