Visit our Location
1100 SHEPPARD AVENUE EAST, UNIT 204, NORTH YORK, ON, M2K 2W1
Dealing with Sciatic Nerve Pain

Dealing with Sciatic Nerve Pain

Have you ever experienced a nagging and agonizing pain that runs from your upper thigh down to your feet? You could be experiencing a type of sciatic nerve pain known as sciatica, a condition characterized by an unpleasant throbbing sensation in the lower back and limbs.

Dealing with Sciatic Nerve Pain

The sciatic nerve is the single largest nerve in the body. It has numerous sections that course through the lower spine and lead down to the legs. If a part of the sciatic nerve is pinched or compressed, it can result in a searing leg pain called radiculopathy. The sensation may vary, with some experiencing mild pain or discomfort, to some experiencing extremely sharp pain or burning sensations. The sensation can also manifest in weakness or numbness of the affected leg. Prolonged sitting, standing, twisting, and lifting can often worsen the sensation.

Cause of Sciatica

Anything that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve can trigger pain to the lower back,  buttocks, and thighs. Additional causes of sciatic nerve pain include:

 

  • Lumbar spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal cord in the lower back

 

  • Herniated spinal disk – occuring when one or more disks develop hairline cracks that bulge, rupture, or break
  • Degenerative spondylolisthesis – wear and tear on the muscles and ligaments of the lower back
  • Bone spurs – growths that narrow the space where the spinal nerves pass through
  • Pregnancy

How to Alleviate and Treat Sciatic Nerve Pain

Although the symptoms usually clear up within a few weeks, it’s crucial to know the underlying cause of sciatica in order to get treatment. The main goal of sciatica treatment is to provide lasting relief and restore mobility.

Here is a list of natural and less invasive treatment options for sciatica:

Dealing with Sciatic Nerve Pain

 

  • Chiropractic Care – Spinal manipulation can provide pain relief from sciatica. Spinal manipulation reduces inflammation by creating a response in the nervous system, promoting the body’s natural healing mechanism.

Dealing with Sciatic Nerve Pain

 

  • Acupuncture – Inserting needles into specific points trigger a response from the nervous system including:
    • Release of natural pain reducers (endorphins and enkephalins)
    • Increase of blood flow in the affected area
    • Relaxing the muscles in the surrounding area

 

While acupuncture does not have the ability to treat the structural issue of the lower back, it will help to re-stabilize the energy flow and balance in the body.

Dealing with Sciatic Nerve Pain

 

  • Physical Therapy – Physical therapy is a conservative treatment option that alleviates the pressure on the sciatic nerve without requiring surgery. Its treatment includes exercises and stretches that rebuild strength in the surrounding muscles. In time, these treatments relieve pain, prevent future complications, and correct posture.

 

If your symptoms are mild and short-lived, medical attention may not be necessary. However, if the pain persists for more than four to eight weeks, visit a professional physiotherapist. Call Oriole Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre in North York at (416) 221-0772.