Sciatica is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve due to herniated disc tissues or spinal bone spurs. It manifests in a range of symptoms, from dull aches to sharp pains that run the nerve path’s distance from the lower back through the hips and towards the legs. At Advanced Wellness Centre in Richmond, VA, our chiropractor diagnoses and treats sciatica to alleviate your pain. We will help your body heal naturally so you can return to a pain-free life.

Symptoms of Sciatica

You will know you have sciatica when you start experiencing pain varying from a mild ache to sharp, burning, and excruciating pains in the lower back. At times, the pain worsens when you cough or sneeze, and the symptoms get aggravated the longer you maintain a sitting position.

Causes of Sciatica

Sciatica is caused when the sciatic nerve is pinched, either by a bone overgrowth on the vertebrae or by a herniated disk. This condition mostly affects one side of the body, with some people experiencing numbness and tingling on muscles, which weaken over time in the affected area.

Risk Factors for Sciatica

The risk factors for sciatica include the following;

• Age: When there are age-related changes in the spine like herniated discs and bone spurs, you can develop sciatica. As you age, the discs cushioning your vertebrae bulge towards the outside and break into pieces.
• Occupation: People with strenuous jobs requiring carrying heavy loads or twisting the back for extended periods may develop sciatica. If you have a sedentary lifestyle that requires sitting down for prolonged periods, you are also likely to develop sciatica.
• Obesity: If you are overweight, there is a lot of stress and pressure on your spine. The excess body weight contributes to some spinal changes, which are risk factors of sciatica.
• Diabetes: Diabetic patients are at a higher risk of developing sciatica because the condition affects the body’s usage of blood sugar. This increases the chances of nerve damage, which can cause sciatica.
• Spinal injury and trauma: Some spinal injuries and trauma cause intervertebral discs to rupture. This puts pressure on the sciatic nerve and triggers sciatica.

Visit Our Chiropractor in Richmond, VA for Sciatica Relief

If you are experiencing symptoms of sciatica, you don’t have to continue suffering. At Advanced Wellness Centre in Richmond, VA, we can help. Our chiropractor will alleviate your pain naturally and help you avoid future pain. Call us today to schedule an appointment.