Part 2 – Sciatica – Symptoms and Management at Essendon Health and Sports Centre
Sciatica - Symptoms and Management
Welcome to the second week of our email series on sciatica. In this email, we will focus on the symptoms of sciatica, helping you to identify when you might be experiencing sciatic pain. We will also provide tips on how to manage these symptoms at home and discuss how chiropractic care can help to address them.
Symptoms of Sciatica
The symptoms of sciatica can vary depending on the location and severity of the nerve compression. Some common symptoms of sciatica include:
- Pain: This is the most common symptom of sciatica. The pain can range from a mild ache to a sharp, shooting pain. It may be felt in the lower back, hips, buttocks, legs, or feet, depending on the location of the nerve compression and which nerve root has been compressed.
- Numbness or Tingling: Some people with sciatica may experience numbness or tingling in the affected area, especially the calf, ankle and foot. This can range from a mild tingling sensation to a complete loss of feeling.
- Weakness: Sciatica can also cause muscle weakness since the brain signal is interrupted. This can make it difficult to walk or perform other activities.
- Loss of Reflexes: In some cases, sciatica may cause a loss of reflexes such as the knee and ankle tendon reflexes.
Managing Sciatic Pain at Home
If you are experiencing sciatic pain, there are several things you can do at home to help manage your symptoms. Here are some tips:
- Rest: Resting the affected area can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Try to avoid any activities that exacerbate your symptoms. Couches tend to aggravate, not help.
- Ice and Heat Therapy: Applying ice or heat to the affected area can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Try alternating between ice and heat, starting with ice for 20 minutes and then switching to heat for 20 minutes.
- Over-the-Counter Medications: Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Ask your GP or pharmacist for advice on medications and their suitability for you.
- Stretching: Gentle stretching can help to alleviate pain and improve flexibility. Try to incorporate stretches into your daily routine. Is better to do them for short but frequent amounts. Seek advice from your chiropractor on which ones are best for you.
How Chiropractic Can Help Relieve Sciatic Pain
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free approach to treating sciatic pain. As chiropractors we use a variety of techniques to address the underlying causes of sciatica and relieve pain.
One of the most common chiropractic techniques to treat sciatica is spinal manipulation. This involves applying gentle force to the spine to realign the vertebrae, open up the disc space and reduce the nerve pressure. Chiropractors may also use other techniques, such as massage, stretching, and hot or cold therapy, to help alleviate pain and improve mobility.
Special equipment called a Flexion/Distraction table may be used to reduce disc pressure as well.
Leander flexion distraction table image
Referral for a course of Myotherapy may be used as an adjunctive measure.
In addition to spinal manipulation and other techniques, chiropractors may also recommend exercises and lifestyle changes to help manage sciatic pain. For example, we may recommend specific stretches or strengthening exercises to improve flexibility, improve muscle conditioning and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. We may also provide advice on proper posture and ergonomics to help prevent further injury.
We hope this introduction to sciatica has been informative and helpful. If you are experiencing sciatic pain, chiropractic care may be an effective treatment option for you. Please don't hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors.
References:
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Sciatica. Sciatica
2. Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Sciatica. Cleveland Clinic - Sciatica
