4 Stages of Sciatica That Need Medical Treatment

From newswire.net

Those recently diagnosed with sciatica may feel they don’t have many options and will have to somehow deal with this painful condition for a lifetime 

(Newswire.net -- May 15, 2023) -- Those recently diagnosed with sciatica may feel they don’t have many options and will have to somehow deal with this painful condition for a lifetime. They naively believe their choices are either taking dangerous and addictive pain medications or going under the knife. Fortunately, there are other treatment methods available.

Although some who suffer from sciatic pain will require invasive surgery, most with this debilitating and painful condition find relief after a few treatments from a licensed chiropractor. Residents of the Sunshine State suffering from sciatica should contact sciatica treatment centres in Naples, FL.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that’s felt along the sciatic nerve that runs through the lower back, hips, buttocks, and down each leg. The culprit is typically a herniated disk that compresses the sciatic nerve, which can cause inflammation that results in pain and numbness that is felt in the legs and other parts of the lower body.

When the sciatic nerve is pinched or compressed, it produces a rather unique set of sensations. Some sufferers experience an electric-like jolt of pain in the buttocks or down one leg, while others feel pins and needles in a portion of the buttocks, leg, or foot. Other sensations include weakness in the leg, making it difficult to lift the foot. For most, these painful or odd sensations only affect one leg.

4 Stages of Sciatica That Need Medical Treatment

The 4 Stages of Sciatica

Sciatica can be broken down into 4 main stages or types. These are determined by how long the patient has been experiencing symptoms and if it affects one or both of the legs. It should be noted that sciatica solely refers to a type of pain and/or discomfort resulting from underlying conditions. The most common causes are a lumbar herniated disk, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis.

Acute Sciatica

Those with acute sciatica have been experiencing symptoms for one to two months. The symptoms are typically sporadic and may not occur every day. Pain is sometimes managed with over-the-counter pain medications, and treatment may not be immediately required. Acute sciatica could disappear on its own or could become more severe.

Chronic Sciatica

Chronic sciatica occurs when sciatic pain or discomfort has lasted for longer than 8 weeks. Over-the-counter medications don’t relieve symptoms, and the pain and discomfort are much more severe and lasting than acute sciatica. Sufferers of chronic sciatica usually seek out some type of professional help once their conditions affect their quality of life.

Alternating Sciatica

This condition is when the pain and discomfort of sciatica switch back and forth between the legs. Alternating sciatica isn’t common and is usually the result of degenerative issues in the sacroiliac joint.

Bilateral Sciatica

Bilateral sciatica occurs when the patient feels pain, numbness, and other types of discomfort in both legs simultaneously. This condition is rare and generally occurs when there has been major degeneration of the vertebrae.

Can Chiropractic Care Provide Treatment for Sciatic Pain?

Chiropractic care is one of the most effective treatments for sciatic pain sufferers. Once the underlying condition has been identified, a licensed chiropractor can recommend the best treatment program to eliminate the causes of pain and discomfort. Some possible treatment methods include:

• Massage therapy - Chiropractic massage can help relieve muscle tightness that could affect how the sciatic nerve is being compressed.
• Ultrasound treatment - The use of sound waves helps to increase heat in compressed muscles, helping them to relax. This, in turn, could help to relieve sciatic pain.
• Chiropractic adjustments - Spinal manipulation can help readjust vertebrae compressing or pinching the sciatic nerve. Adjustments to the lower spine can cause quick relief from sciatic pain caused by herniated disks.
• Exercise - With the guidance of a chiropractor, he or she can recommend exercises and stretches that release pressure from the sciatic nerve. Many exercises and stretching regimens can help to strengthen and provide added flexibility to the muscles causing the compression of the sciatic nerve.

Relief From Sciatica Is Possible

Regardless of the underlying condition that is causing the sciatic pain, many treatment options don’t include narcotic pain medications or invasive surgery. Many sufferers have found relief by consulting with a chiropractor.

With a combination of chiropractic and relaxation massage, spinal adjustments, and exercises to increase the strength and flexibility of the lower back, you, too, can significantly improve your quality of life. Sciatica doesn’t necessarily mean a lifetime of pain. Relief from sciatica is possible.

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