Sciatica, characterized by pain originating in the lower back and radiating down one or both legs, can be debilitating, disrupting your daily activities and even impacting your mental well-being. This type of discomfort, which affects those who are pregnant, have diabetes or are obese, frequently results from a misaligned low back and pelvis, causing muscle contraction on the sciatic nerve and leading to many symptoms.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Not limited to just lower back and leg pain, sciatica can also manifest as:
- Hip pain
- Tingling or burning sensations down the leg
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Difficulty in moving the leg or foot
- Persistent pain on one side of the buttocks
- Shooting pain that makes standing up challenging
It’s important to know that extended periods of sitting or standing can exacerbate sciatica.
The Role of Chiropractic Adjustments
The first step is a thorough consultation and examination with one of our doctors. We aim to identify if our care can benefit you, and if so, we’ll work on aligning your low back and pelvis. Often, a few chiropractic adjustments can alleviate the pain completely.
Incorporating Helpful Stretches
Alongside our chiropractic care, we suggest some beneficial stretches:
Sitting Stretch: Figure Four
This stretch targets the piriformis muscle, which is often responsible for causing sciatica pain. To perform this stretch, sit straight in a chair and cross one leg over the other, creating a figure four shape. Then, gently push down on the knee of the crossed leg, feeling a stretch in the piriformis muscle.
Lying Down Stretch: Knee to Chest
This stretch helps release tension in the gluteal muscles, which can contribute to sciatica pain. Lie on your back and bend one knee, bringing it up toward your chest. Hold the knee with both hands and gently pull it across your body toward the opposite shoulder. You should feel a stretch in the gluteal muscles.
Regular practice of these exercises is crucial even post-relief, as sciatica can reoccur after some time.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you’ve been sidelined by sciatica and are wondering if chiropractic care could be your solution, contact Graham Chiropractic today to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors.