Sciatica Pain: The Key to Diagnosing and Treatment If you’re experiencing pain, weakness, tingling, or numbness in your back, buttocks, and legs, your sciatic nerve might be to blame. Sciatica pain can be caused by an injury to your sciatic nerve or an area that affects it, especially the vertebrae in your neck and back. And, while it’s an uncomfortable condition, it’s also a common one. Nearly 40 percent of people will experience it at some point during their lives., and it becomes more frequent with aging. If these symptoms sound familiar, this article is for you! Keep reading to learn about where your pain is coming from and what you can do to start feeling better fast. Sciatica Pain: What You Need to Know Sciatica is easy to identify because its symptoms are so distinct. If your feelings of pain, tingling, or numbness start in your lower back and run through your buttocks and legs, it’s probably related to this nerve. What Is Sciatica? Sciatica may be caused by a variety of spinal and nerve conditions in your back. This includes issues like herniated disks, degenerative disk disorder, spinal stenosis, and spinal injuries. The pain and discomfort that you’re feeling are the result of damage, injury, or inflammation to your sciatic nerve. That’s why you’re likely experiencing strange symptoms like “pins and needles” in your legs or your lower limbs frequently “falling asleep.” Thankfully, this is an easy condition to treat and diagnose, so long as you act quickly. Options for Treatment It might be tempting to take medicine for symptoms of sciatica and lower back pain. But, both prescription and over the counter drugs mask symptoms rather than treating them. So, while they might leave you feeling better, they will do little to improve your condition. Likewise, sciatica surgery can be expensive, painful, and invasive. Plus, it often requires a lengthy recovery period, including a stay in the hospital. Instead, opt for a healing treatment plan that improves your back condition and supports healthy nerve function. Physical therapy for sciatica is an excellent option that pairs well with other types of treatment. Can a Chiropractor Help? To put it simply, yes! Chiropractic medicine can help reduce your symptoms through gentle spinal manipulation. This realignment improves posture, reduces pressure on your muscles and nerves, and can even help you heal from old injuries. Plus, it’s non-invasive, medication-free, and totally safe! One of the biggest benefits of choosing chiropractic care is that it’s easy to combine with other healing treatments. Physical therapy, massage, and soft tissue work like the Graston Technique are all excellent options. Take the Next Step If you’re ready to feel lasting relief from your sciatica pain, request an appointment right away. You’ll have the chance to speak with a chiropractor, receive a thorough evaluation and diagnosis, and potentially start with treatment during your very first visit. And, have a look through our blog for more information on back health, options for chiropractic treatment, and our top tips for wellness.