Sciatica Pain

Sciatica pain can be severe and even debilitating, however, there is treatment. At Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA, we want our patients to be aware of what sciatica is, the different causes, and how it can be treated.

Sciatica pain comes from the sciatic nerve that runs from the lower back, through the hips, buttocks, and down each leg. Pain often radiates from the lower back all the way down the leg in a shooting pain. In the legs, the pain is most often felt in the back of the thigh and calf. The pain can be mild and achy or sharp and excruciating. Often patients feel a burning sensation. Sciatica pain is usually only felt on one side of the body. Symptoms that require immediate medical attention include loss of feeling in the leg, weakness of the leg, and loss of bowel or bladder function.

There are a few likely causes of sciatica pain. Most commonly, it is due to the nerve being pinched by a herniated disc or a bone spur. Occasionally, the pain can be due to nerve damage from another condition.

Sciatica usually resolves within a short amount of time using treatment, like physical therapy. Stretching the area, strengthening the surrounding muscles, and improving posture can relieve pain and keep it from returning. In other cases, steroid injections or surgery is recommended.

If you are experiencing shooting pain from your lower back through your leg, you may be suffering from sciatica pain. To schedule an appointment with Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA, call us at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net.